ANTMART Honeycomb Black 220x110 Variant B is a formicarium with hexagonal passage architecture and a fully plastered chamber floor. Its black body contrasts with the pale plaster, making the queen and workers easier to observe. The structure is intended for humidity-dependent tropical ants that require moisture across the whole residential area rather than in one limited section.

Honeycomb geometry with staged expansion

The chambers follow the series’ characteristic hexagonal layout, identified in the supplied specifications as a feature intended to reduce stress on the queen. Removable partitions divide the nest into three autonomous sections. A young colony can initially occupy only the space it needs, with further sections opened as its population becomes established.

This zoning makes it possible to adjust the available living area without replacing the entire formicarium. When a partition is moved, the location of the ants must be checked carefully so that no occupant is trapped and no unintended route out of the nest is left open.

Full-coverage G-23 plaster

Variant B covers the entire residential floor with a 6 mm slab of high-strength G-23 plaster. The broad evaporation area distributes moisture through the nest, and the design does not provide dry storage chambers. The source specifies an operating humidity level of 80–95% for this model in connection with humidity-dependent tropical species.

G-23 plaster was selected for its density, hardness, and behavior during sustained contact with water. According to the supplied description, it resists softening and helps prevent powerful exotic ants from excavating or damaging the chamber floor. Hydration should still be managed according to the exact species and the observed condition of the nest rather than the model name alone.

Layered body and moisture-resistant fasteners

The body uses layered 3 mm acrylic together with PETG components. Its connections are secured with chemically resistant black nylon fasteners. Nylon does not rust in the humid environment, while the dark bolts visually integrate with the black body.

The dark structure creates a strong contrast with the light plaster and the ants moving over it. This visual feature does not replace suitable lighting practices or the need to respect the species’ sensitivity to disturbance and other husbandry requirements.

An 80 mm arena with a reinforced closure

The 80 mm-high arena provides a dedicated area for feeding, removing remnants, and arranging decorations. Any decorative material should be positioned so that it does not obstruct access routes, latches, or the areas needed for regular maintenance.

A double lid made from two acrylic sheets closes the arena. The paired structure is designed to resist bending caused by high internal humidity. Mechanical latches secure the lid, block potential exit routes, and help keep the farm closed while it is being relocated. The lid, partitions, and every latch should be inspected before servicing or moving the unit.

Intended inhabitants

Variant B is primarily designed for humidity-dependent tropical ants. The source lists the following potential inhabitants:

• Pachycondyla and Odontoponera;
• active Pheidole colonies;
• Carebara;
• tropical, moisture-loving Camponotus.

Camponotus must be considered at species level. Tropical members from humid regions of Asia or South America may be compatible with the full plaster layout. Arboreal species and other Camponotus that need moderate moisture or a distinct dry zone are better matched to Variant A.

An essential restriction

This farm is not intended for Messor or other grain-storing ants. Since the nest has no dry chambers, seed reserves can germinate or decay under the full-area humidification regime. The same restriction applies to any species requiring a dry portion of its nest. Variant A with partial plaster coverage should be used for those colonies.

Construction summary

• Series: Honeycomb Series.
• Overall format: 220x110 mm.
• Three autonomous residential sections with removable partitions.
• Full 6 mm layer of high-strength G-23 plaster.
• Source-stated humidity level: 80–95%.
• Layered 3 mm acrylic and PETG body components.
• Chemically resistant black nylon bolts.
• Arena height: 80 mm.
• Double acrylic lid with mechanical latches.
• Hexagonal passage architecture.

Questions and answers

Why does the plaster cover the entire nest?

The continuous slab creates a broad evaporation surface and distributes humidity throughout the residential area. There are no deliberately dry chambers, which makes the configuration suitable only for species that need a consistently moist nest.

How does the lid resist humidity-related deformation?

It combines two acrylic sheets into a stiffer paired structure. Mechanical latches hold the lid in place, and PETG is also used in the body. These features are intended to reduce bending, but the closure still requires routine manual inspection.

Is Variant B suitable for Camponotus?

It can suit tropical Camponotus that require a humid environment. Arboreal species and those needing moderate moisture or a dry nest section should be housed in Variant A instead.

Can Messor be kept in this formicarium?

No. Continuous moisture creates unsuitable conditions for stored seeds. Messor and other grain-storing ants require dry chambers and a configuration with only partial plaster coverage.