The ANTMART Labyrinth Yellow Variant B is a 200×200 mm ant farm with a bright yellow PETG body and a gypsum layer covering the complete residential area. This configuration is intended for ants that require a moist nest with broadly distributed hydration. The yellow structure provides a contrasting background for observation, while the divided layout lets the keeper expand the colony’s available space in controlled stages.

The defining feature of Variant B

A 6 mm layer of G23 gypsum covers the entire living area. The gypsum receives water and distributes moisture across the chambers, acting as a buffer between individual hydration cycles. Unlike a partially lined arrangement that incorporates dedicated dry areas, Variant B is designed to maintain a more uniformly moist environment throughout the residential nest.

Actual humidity still depends on the amount and frequency of water supplied, temperature, ventilation, and the requirements of the species. Complete gypsum coverage does not make moisture management automatic. The keeper should monitor the chambers, the condition of the substrate, and the colony’s response rather than adding water on a fixed assumption.

Five residential sections

The nest contains 5 sections separated by removable partitions. A young family can start with access to a limited area, and additional chambers can be connected as the colony grows. Staged expansion keeps the available volume closer to the ants’ current needs and prevents a small colony from receiving an excessive network of empty rooms too early.

There are 4 independently managed hydration zones. These allow water to be introduced through selected parts of the formicarium, while the continuous gypsum layer helps distribute it beyond the immediate input area. The result combines local hydration access with a broad moisture-buffering surface.

Materials suited to a humid setup

The structural base is made from PETG plastic. PETG does not absorb water or swell through direct moisture exposure. Plywood and foam are not used in the construction. Black nylon bolts replace ordinary metal fasteners, so the hardware does not rust in the farm’s damp environment.

Usable chamber height is 15 mm above the gypsum. This provides vertical room for larger workers and queens; Camponotus japonicus is specifically cited in the source as an example. Before introducing a colony, however, the keeper should compare the dimensions with the actual queen and worker sizes of the chosen species.

Arena closure and access control

The arena is 80 mm high and has a double acrylic lid assembled from two sheets. The second layer adds rigidity and is intended to reduce changes in shape caused by differing humidity on the inner and outer surfaces. Mechanical sliding gates close the passages incorporated into the structure.

After feeding, cleaning, or opening the enclosure, confirm that the lid sits evenly, every relevant gate is in position, and no unintended gap remains between components. This inspection is particularly important with small or highly active workers.

Species guidance and a clear limitation

Variant B is presented for moisture-dependent genera and species. The source list includes:

• Pheidole;
• Pachycondyla;
• Odontoponera;
• Carebara;
• Camponotus nicobarensis;
• Camponotus pseudoirritans;
• Camponotus fedtschenkoi.

Myrmicaria brunnea and Camponotus maculatus subnudus are additionally mentioned in the discussion of construction materials. The model is not recommended for harvester ants of the genus Messor. For them, the source directs keepers to Variant A, which has partial gypsum coverage and dry areas. This limitation matters where seeds must be stored away from the nest’s moist zones.

Suggested setup and expansion sequence

• Inspect the joints, removable partitions, lid, and gates before introducing ants.
• Give a young family access only to the section it currently requires.
• Hydrate the gypsum according to verified species needs, avoiding uncontrolled saturation.
• Observe brood placement and worker behavior after each adjustment.
• Open further sections only when the colony has made practical use of the available chambers.

Questions and answers

Why cover the entire residential area with gypsum?
The 6 mm G23 gypsum layer works as a shared moisture reservoir and distribution surface for the living sections. This arrangement supports a humid-nest use case. The 80–90% range mentioned in the source should not be treated as a universal requirement for every tropical ant; the correct conditions must be determined for the specific species.

How does PETG respond to continuous contact with water?
PETG does not absorb moisture or swell, making it suitable for the body of this gypsum-lined configuration. The surfaces still require cleaning, and all parts should be inspected periodically for their actual condition.

Why are nylon bolts used?
Nylon fasteners do not rust beside routinely hydrated components. Their black color also provides a distinct visual contrast with the yellow PETG body and the transparent acrylic parts.