Pixel White Variant B is a white formicarium designed for moisture-dependent tropical ants. It combines a 200×200 mm nest module, full-area plaster coverage, and a tall arena with convenient access. Its defining feature is a humid environment across the entire chamber floor, so this version should be selected according to the needs of the intended species rather than appearance alone.

A PETG-based white body

The upper decorative panel and base are made from impact-resistant white PETG instead of fragile colored acrylic. A solid monolithic bottom conceals the fastening nuts and gives the farm a flat lower surface. White nylon fasteners resist corrosion and maintain the consistent color scheme of the structure.

White body components, pale plaster, and a transparent lid create a clean setting for observing the colony. The materials also have distinct practical roles in a formicarium intended to operate with extensive moisture.

Plaster throughout the nest

The complete floor area of the residential chambers is covered by a 6 mm layer of high-strength G23 plaster. Unlike designs with plaster in only part of the nest, Variant B provides moisture across the full chamber area. This configuration is intended for species that require a persistently humid nesting environment, including appropriate conditions for brood development.

It may be considered for moisture-loving members of Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, and Carebara, as well as tropical humidity-dependent Camponotus. Requirements must still be checked for the exact species being housed: membership in the same genus does not mean that every species needs an identical moisture regime.

Room for a growing colony

The clearance between the plaster surface and chamber ceiling is 15 mm. This chamber height accommodates medium and large ants, including queens and large soldiers. The 200×200 mm nest is divided into five isolated sections and provides four independently managed hydration zones.

Internal partitions support gradual settlement. A young colony does not need access to every chamber from the beginning; additional sections can be opened as its population increases. This makes it possible to match the available living area to the actual size of the colony and manage the occupied section more deliberately.

An arena built for routine care

The 83 mm-high arena provides a separate functional area for feeding, removing food remnants, and observing worker activity. Its sliding door gives direct access for recurring maintenance without requiring the whole unit to be dismantled.

The arena is covered by a double lid made from transparent 3 mm acrylic. Two combined acrylic sheets provide additional resistance to deformation associated with the humid internal environment. Mechanical latches keep the lid closed during use and relocation. All doors, joints, and latches should nevertheless be inspected manually before care procedures or transport.

Species limitations matter

Full-area humidification is incompatible with seed-storing and dry-environment species. Variant B has no dry chambers for grain reserves, so stored seeds may germinate or deteriorate in the moist nest.

Do not select this configuration for:

• Messor and other harvester ants;
• Pogonomyrmex;
• strictly steppe-dwelling Camponotus;
• other species that require a clearly dry section of the nest.

Variant A, with partial plaster coverage, is the appropriate alternative for such colonies. Camponotus nicobarensis and Camponotus pseudoirritans are specifically identified as compatible examples for this Pixel White configuration, although the needs of the particular colony should always determine the final setup.

Technical overview

• Residential module size: 200×200 mm.
• Full-area G23 plaster layer: 6 mm thick.
• Chamber clearance above plaster: 15 mm.
• Five isolated residential sections.
• Four autonomous hydration zones.
• 83 mm-high arena with a sliding access door.
• White PETG base and decorative upper panel.
• White nylon fasteners.
• Double transparent 3 mm acrylic lid with mechanical latches.

Questions and answers

What distinguishes Pixel White Variant B?

Its primary functional difference is the 6 mm G23 plaster layer covering the entire floor of the residential chambers. This creates one continuous humid nesting area, whereas Variant A uses partial plaster coverage. Pixel White also uses white PETG components, nylon fasteners, and a solid bottom that hides the fastening nuts.

Can harvester ants live in this farm?

No. Moist plaster throughout the nest leaves no dry chamber for seed storage. Messor, Pogonomyrmex, and other grain-storing ants should be housed in Variant A with partial plaster coverage and a corresponding dry area.

How is the arena secured?

The arena uses a double lid made from transparent 3 mm acrylic together with mechanical latches. This construction is intended to resist moisture-related warping and keep the access area firmly closed. The sliding door, lid, latches, and all connections must be checked before feeding, moving, or transporting the formicarium.