The White mini module is a starter formicarium for temporarily housing a queen and a young ant family. Its nest consists of one chamber with a solid gypsum base, while the integrated micro-arena provides a separate place for feeding. At 50x180 mm, it is intended for the founding stage, before the growing colony requires a larger ant farm.

Solid G23 gypsum and automatic hydration

A 10 mm layer of high-strength medical-grade G23 gypsum covers the entire living chamber. Unlike a partially filled module, this configuration has no separate dry nest chamber: the gypsum extends across the full nesting area. The design is aimed at moisture-loving ants, including forest and tropical species, provided that the actual conditions meet the requirements of the species being housed.

The automatic hydration system delivers water to the gypsum, which distributes moisture through the living area. This arrangement replaces the wet cotton reservoir normally used in a test tube. Water levels must still be monitored. Automatic hydration does not prevent overwatering, and gypsum that remains saturated or becomes contaminated may eventually develop mould.

A separate arena for feeding

In a test-tube setup, a cotton plug normally closes the entrance near the colony. Regular feeding requires access through that opening, and active workers may quickly approach it. In this module, food is placed in the dedicated micro-arena instead. The queen and brood can remain in the nest while feeding is handled outside the main chamber, and visible leftovers can be removed before they foul the living space.

A glass incubator can also collect condensation when room temperatures fluctuate, potentially allowing droplets to reach the brood. The gypsum base handles added water differently by absorbing it and releasing it through the nesting area. Nevertheless, the chamber should be inspected regularly and the hydration routine adjusted to the biology of the colony and the surrounding conditions.

Clear, bolted construction

The transparent sections are made from 3 mm acrylic, and the white structural parts are made from durable PETG plastic. Metal bolts secure the main body, while nylon fasteners are used on the micro-arena. The clear housing makes it possible to observe the queen, workers and brood without repeatedly opening the nest.

Special mechanical sliders hold the lid closed during handling and reduce the chance of accidental opening if the unit is tilted or overturned. Before transport, the sliders and bolted joints should be checked. The module should also be protected from impacts and kept within temperature conditions appropriate to the ants inside.

Specifications

• model: White, single living chamber;
• purpose: temporary housing for a queen or starter colony;
• overall size: 50x180 mm;
• clearance above the gypsum: 15 mm;
• height without gypsum: 25 mm;
• gypsum: high-strength medical-grade G23, 10 mm thick;
• fill type: solid gypsum across the full living chamber;
• hydration: integrated automatic hydration system;
• materials: clear 3 mm acrylic and white PETG plastic;
• fasteners: metal on the main body and nylon on the micro-arena;
• lid retention: mechanical sliders.

Routine use and relocation

This mini module is not intended as permanent housing for a large colony. During use, monitor gypsum moisture, arena cleanliness, worker numbers and remaining space. Once the family becomes too large for the available chamber, it can be transferred to a roomier gypsum or partially gypsum ant farm.

Questions and answers

How does automatic hydration differ from wet cotton?

Water is delivered to the G23 gypsum mass and spreads through the living area from that base. There is no cotton plug acting as the internal water reservoir, although the volume of added water still requires supervision.

Is the module suitable for a first colony?

It is designed for starter housing. The micro-arena simplifies feeding, and the transparent body supports routine observation. The chosen species’ temperature, humidity and space requirements must still be considered before introduction.

Can ants be transported inside it?

The lid sliders reduce the likelihood of accidental opening. Before a trip, check the complete assembly and provide protection from impacts and unsuitable temperatures.