A white formicarium built for a humid microclimate

ANTMART Labyrinth White 220×110 mm, Variant B is an ant farm with a continuous gypsum lining across the residential section. The model is intended for moisture-loving species: its large evaporation area helps maintain elevated humidity throughout the chambers of the branching labyrinth. The white body provides a contrasting background for observing the ants, brood, and everyday activity of the colony.

The structure combines 3 mm white and transparent acrylic, PETG plastic components, and white nylon fasteners. The farm measures 220×110 mm. Its 80 mm-high arena is covered by a double acrylic lid secured with mechanical sliding locks.

Continuous G-23 gypsum plate

The entire nest area is lined with a 6 mm plate of G-23 gypsum. Moisture spreads through the connected gypsum surface and gradually evaporates into the chambers. This arrangement provides a more even humidity background than a design in which gypsum covers only part of the nest. It is particularly useful in a winding network of passages because the water does not affect just one local area: the whole residential block participates in evaporation.

G-23 gypsum combines high hardness with hygroscopic properties. It serves both as the chamber base and as a moisture reservoir. Continuous coverage reduces the likelihood of pronounced dry sections and helps moderate changes in humidity after the arena has been ventilated. The formicarium still requires regular monitoring, as the actual conditions depend on the ant species, room temperature, ventilation, and watering frequency.

Materials selected for a humid environment

The body is assembled from 3 mm acrylic parts. Transparent panels provide a view of the inner chambers and arena, while the white elements create a light, clean background. PETG plastic is used for additional functional components.

White nylon fasteners replace metal bolts in this model. Nylon does not rust when exposed to humid air, making it suitable for a design with an increased evaporation area. It also prevents corrosion products from metal hardware appearing inside the structure or contacting the gypsum. The fasteners and other components should still be inspected periodically during routine maintenance.

Arena with a reinforced double lid

The 80 mm-high arena forms a separate area for feeding and observing the ants. Its cover consists of two acrylic layers. This arrangement increases the rigidity of the upper panel and helps it resist warping under prolonged exposure to humid air.

Mechanical sliding locks press the lid against the body and limit the formation of perimeter gaps. This feature is particularly relevant when housing small, active ants. Nevertheless, the assembly, lid position, and every joint must be checked before introducing a colony, taking the size of the chosen species into account. Normal escape-prevention precautions remain necessary whenever the arena is opened.

Four sections for staged expansion

Removable partitions divide the residential labyrinth into four independent sections. A small colony can initially receive access to only part of the chamber system, with additional blocks opened as its population grows. This makes it possible to match the available nest volume to the current size of the colony instead of exposing all the space at once.

Before moving a partition, assess the size of the colony and how fully it occupies the accessible block. Expand the nest carefully to avoid injuring ants or creating unintended passages. Staged access allows the formicarium to accommodate a developing family as well as a larger established colony within the model’s capacity.

Species profile and limitations

The continuous gypsum surface is intended primarily for moisture-loving ants, including tropical predatory species. The source recommendations name Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, Pheidole, moisture-loving Camponotus, and Carebara. The operating conditions must always be adjusted to the exact species and individual colony rather than inferred solely from the genus.

Variant B is not intended for Messor or other ants that store grain. Its elevated humidity may be incompatible with the way these species maintain their food reserves. A design with only partial gypsum coverage, Variant A, is more appropriate for such colonies. This limitation should be considered before introduction because the continuous plate is the defining construction feature of this model, not a temporary setting.

Key specifications

• Body dimensions: 220×110 mm.
• Arena height: 80 mm.
• Acrylic thickness: 3 mm.
• Continuous G-23 gypsum plate thickness: 6 mm.
• Four residential sections separated by removable partitions.
• Double acrylic arena lid secured with mechanical sliding locks.
• White nylon fasteners suited to a humid environment.
• Increased evaporation area intended for moisture-loving species, not grain-storing ants.

Questions and answers

• What is the purpose of lining the entire nest with gypsum?

The connected plate stores water and releases moisture across the labyrinth. This allows humidity to reach different chambers more evenly and makes changes in the moisture background more gradual. The system benefits ants requiring a humid nest, but it does not replace observation of the chambers and the colony’s response.

• Why does the farm use nylon fasteners?

White nylon does not rust in humid conditions. In a formicarium with continuous gypsum coverage, it avoids bolt corrosion and prevents the gypsum from coming into contact with corrosion products.

• How does the double lid help contain the ants?

Two acrylic layers make the cover more rigid, while the sliding locks hold it against the body around the perimeter. Together, these features reduce warping and the formation of gaps. All joints should still be checked for the size of the selected ants before introduction.

• When should another section be opened?

Connect the next block as the family grows and begins to occupy the available space fully. The removable partitions make it possible to expand the nest in stages rather than giving a small colony access to all four sections immediately.