The ANTMART Labyrinth Black B 200×200 mm is a formicarium with a fully gypsum-lined residential area for ants that require a humid nest. A black PETG body frames the winding chamber pattern, while the Variant B layout distributes moisture throughout the nest instead of reserving separate dry compartments.

Gypsum across the entire nest floor

The defining feature of Variant B is a continuous 6 mm layer of medical-grade G23 gypsum. It covers 100% of the residential area, receives water from the designated humidification points, and retains moisture next to the chambers. Every section is connected to this gypsum base. The arrangement is intended primarily for moisture-dependent species and differs from Variant A, where the gypsum is localized to create both humid and dry zones.

Because Variant B has no dedicated dry storage area, it is not recommended for Messor. Harvester ants require a place where seed stores are not kept in constant contact with moisture. The source directs Messor keepers to the partially lined Variant A design instead.

Materials and internal clearance

The farm base is made from PETG plastic. Foam, plywood, and PLA are not used in the stated construction. Black nylon bolts hold the assembly together and do not corrode in a humid environment.

There is 15 mm of chamber height above the 6 mm gypsum layer. This clearance accommodates relatively large ants and gives workers and the queen room to move and turn inside the passage system. Camponotus japonicus is mentioned in the original description as an example considered in relation to the chamber dimensions.

Four humidification areas

The nest contains 4 independent areas for adding water. They are positioned across the structure so that the continuous gypsum layer can be supplied from several locations. The gypsum absorbs the water and carries moisture toward the adjacent chambers. Its condition can be assessed visually to some extent because damp gypsum appears darker than dry gypsum.

The source gives an average humidification interval of once every 5–8 days. This is a reference rather than a fixed schedule. Drying time can change with room temperature, ventilation, the amount of water added, and other surrounding conditions. The gypsum and the colony’s requirements should therefore be checked before more water is supplied.

Five controlled expansion sections

The residential area is divided into 5 autonomous sections with removable partitions. A small colony can initially receive only the amount of space it needs, while the remaining chambers stay closed. Additional sections can be connected as the population grows and begins to fill the available nest. This staged arrangement limits unnecessary empty space and reduces the chance that unoccupied chambers will be selected as refuse areas.

Arena, lid, and gates

The feeding arena is 80 mm high. Two acrylic sheets form a double top cover intended to reduce moisture-related deformation. Mechanical gates close the designated connections between parts of the farm. After feeding, cleaning, transport, or a configuration change, the keeper should confirm that both lid layers and every gate have returned to their proper positions.

Species and genera named in the source

Variant B is presented for moisture-loving genera including:

• Pheidole;
• Pachycondyla;
• Odontoponera;
• Carebara.

The source list also names Camponotus nicobarensis, Camponotus pseudoirritans, and Camponotus fedtschenkoi. These references provide a starting point, but the required humidity level must be confirmed for the exact species and its current colony stage. The absence of a dry zone remains an important limitation when assessing compatibility.

Questions and answers

What is the main difference between Variant B and Variant A?
Variant B uses G23 gypsum across the complete residential floor and does not provide a deliberately dry chamber group. Variant A has a localized gypsum plate that forms a transition from moist chambers to dry storage sections.

Is this model suitable for Messor?
The source does not recommend Variant B for harvester ants. Its fully humidified floor lacks the dry seed-storage area associated with their needs. Variant A is the stated alternative for Messor colonies.

How can the keeper monitor the gypsum?
The material becomes darker after absorbing water, so a change in color offers a visible indication of moisture distribution. This observation should be combined with the requirements of the species and the environmental conditions around the farm.

How often should water be added?
The original guidance suggests an average interval of 5–8 days. Actual timing should follow the drying rate of the gypsum rather than the calendar. Uncontrolled additional water should be avoided when the layer is already sufficiently damp.

Should all five sections be opened immediately?
No. A smaller colony can begin in a limited portion of the nest. Partitions should be removed gradually after the ants have occupied the space already available to them.

Does full gypsum coverage create a dry reserve chamber?
No. All residential sections are connected to the continuous gypsum layer. A species that requires distinctly dry food-storage space should be housed in a layout designed with such a zone.