The 200×200 mm ANTMART Labyrinth Black A is a partially gypsum-lined ant farm built around controlled expansion, separate moisture areas, and generous chamber height. Its black PETG body gives the setup a precise, technical appearance, while the internal layout lets the keeper adjust the available nest space as the colony develops. Instead of applying moisture to the entire nest at once, individual sections can be managed to create a humidity gradient within one formicarium.

Room to grow in stages

The nest is divided into 5 residential sections connected through removable partitions. A young colony can begin in a compact area, with further sections opened only when its population requires more room. This approach avoids exposing a small family to an unnecessarily large network of empty chambers, which ants may otherwise use for waste storage.

Moisture is distributed through 4 independently managed zones. The keeper can humidify the area occupied by brood while leaving other chambers drier. This is especially useful when the colony’s brood and food reserves require different microconditions.

Construction and chamber dimensions

The structural base is made from PETG plastic, and the clear components use 3 mm acrylic. Plywood and foam are not part of the construction. Black nylon bolts secure the assembly; unlike ordinary metal fasteners, nylon does not rust in a humid formicarium and complements the restrained Black-series design.

Available chamber height varies by area:

• 15 mm above the gypsum layer;
• up to 21 mm in the dry zones.

The additional vertical clearance accommodates larger queens that need room to turn without continually contacting the ceiling. Camponotus japonicus is specifically mentioned in the source as an example relevant to these dimensions.

Arena access and closure system

The arena is 80 mm high and fitted with a double acrylic lid made from two sheets. The layered construction adds rigidity and is intended to limit distortion associated with different humidity levels inside and outside the enclosure. Mechanical sliding gates close the passages provided by the design.

These features support escape control, but they do not remove the need for routine inspection. After feeding, cleaning, moving, or opening the farm, check that every gate is in the intended position, the lid is seated evenly, and no accidental gaps are present.

Species guidance

With partially gypsum-lined and dry areas available in the same nest, Variant A is presented for medium and large ants whose humidity needs and body size match the farm’s specifications. The source compatibility list includes:

• Camponotus nicobarensis;
• Camponotus pseudoirritans;
• Camponotus fedtschenkoi;
• Messor structor.

Myrmicaria brunnea and Camponotus maculatus subnudus are also mentioned in connection with the selected construction materials. Compatibility should always be assessed for the actual colony: consider the size of the queen and workers, the species-specific moisture gradient, population, brood volume, food storage behavior, and current demand for nesting space.

A practical setup sequence

• Give a young colony access only to the number of sections it currently needs.
• Remove further partitions as the occupied space becomes insufficient.
• Humidify selected zones according to brood location and species requirements.
• Keep seed-storage chambers dry where the biology of the species calls for it.
• Inspect the lid, joints, partitions, and sliding gates after maintenance.

Questions and answers

How do four moisture zones improve humidity management?
They allow water to be applied locally instead of wetting the complete nest. Brood chambers can therefore receive more moisture while nearby storage areas remain drier. PETG and acrylic do not absorb water, but appropriate cleaning and moisture control are still necessary.

When should all five sections be opened?
Expansion should follow the colony’s actual growth. The source describes use from a family of roughly 20 workers up to a colony of about 3,500 individuals, but real capacity varies considerably with species, body size, brood and stored food. The ants’ use of the available chambers is a more useful guide than a fixed timetable.

What is the purpose of the double arena lid?
Two acrylic sheets increase the rigidity of the cover and help it retain its geometry when humidity differs across its surfaces. Together with the mechanical gates, the lid forms the arena’s closure system and should be checked whenever the farm has been opened.