{"product_id":"3d-printed-ant-farm-queen-ants-nest-supplies-for-beginner-ant-keepers-ant-house-suitable-for-small-ant-species-2","title":"3D Printed Ant Farm Nest for Beginners - PLA, 6.9 cm","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.yvk-prod{font-family:inherit;color:#1f1610;font-size:16px;line-height:1.65;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}.yvk-prod-hook{font-size:1.1rem;line-height:1.7;margin:0 0 24px}.yvk-prod-hook strong{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-trust{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;list-style:none;margin:0 0 40px;padding:0}.yvk-prod-trust-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:8px;padding:10px 16px;font-size:0.9rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;flex:1 1 160px}.yvk-prod-trust svg{color:#a84c42;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-story{margin:0 0 48px}.yvk-prod-story p{margin:0 0 16px;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.7}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.75rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:56px 0 20px;line-height:1.2;position:relative;padding-top:20px}.yvk-prod-h2::before{content:'';display:block;width:36px;height:3px;background:#a84c42;border-radius:2px;margin-bottom:14px}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:20px;margin:0 0 8px}.yvk-prod-benefit{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-benefit h3{font-size:1.05rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:0;line-height:1.3}.yvk-prod-benefit p{font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e27;margin:0;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-features{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 0 8px;font-size:0.95rem}.yvk-prod-features tr{border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-features tr:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-features td{padding:12px 10px;vertical-align:middle;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-feature-ico{width:36px;text-align:center}.yvk-prod-feature-ico svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(2){font-weight:600;width:38%}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(3){color:#3a2e27}.yvk-prod-care{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 8px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px}.yvk-prod-care-item{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;font-size:0.97rem;line-height:1.6;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-care-item svg{color:#a84c42;opacity:0.85;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 24px;margin:0 0 8px;font-size:0.97rem;line-height:1.7;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-faq-wrap{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 8px}.yvk-prod-faq{border-left:3px solid #a84c42;background:#fefcf8;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;overflow:hidden;transition:box-shadow 0.2s}.yvk-prod-faq:hover{box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(168,76,66,0.08)}.yvk-prod-faq summary{padding:18px 22px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:12px;user-select:none}.yvk-prod-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.yvk-prod-faq summary::after{content:'';display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;border-right:2px solid #a84c42;border-bottom:2px solid #a84c42;transform:rotate(45deg);transition:transform 0.25s;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:-6px}.yvk-prod-faq[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg);margin-top:4px}.yvk-prod-faq-answer{padding:0 22px 18px;font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e27;line-height:1.65}.yvk-prod-faq-answer p{margin:0 0 8px}.yvk-prod-faq-answer p:last-child{margin:0}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.4rem}.yvk-prod-trust{flex-direction:column}.yvk-prod-trust-item{flex:1 1 auto}.yvk-prod-features{display:block;overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch}}\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"yvk-prod-hook\"\u003eYour first queen ant needs a home that fits her, not one that overwhelms her. This \u003cstrong\u003e3D printed ant farm nest for beginners\u003c\/strong\u003e gives a founding queen exactly the right chamber size, the right darkness, and the right material to start laying eggs with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"yvk-prod-trust\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"9 12 11 14 15 10\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo harmful chemicals\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 8v4l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReady to use out of the box\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShips in protective packaging\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"yvk-prod-story\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen I set up my first Lasius niger colony (the common black garden ant, and honestly the best beginner species out there), I made the classic mistake: I gave a lone founding queen a formicarium built for a mature colony. She spent two weeks dragging her eggs from corner to corner, stressed, unable to maintain humidity in a space ten times too large for her. The brood suffered. I learned the hard way that founding stage is all about tight, dark, humid chambers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nest is printed in PLA, a plant-derived plastic that contains no plasticizers or heavy-metal pigments. At 6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm, the footprint is compact enough to sit inside a test-tube setup or a small outworld without wasting bench space. The chamber geometry is sized for small species: Lasius niger, Lasius flavus (the yellow meadow ant), Tetramorium caespitum (pavement ants), and similarly sized Formica workers all move through the corridors without bottlenecking. Two color variants let you match your existing setup or simply pick whichever you prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePLA prints hold fine surface detail that cast resin or injection-molded plastic often loses at this price point. The tunnel walls have a slight texture that ants grip naturally, which matters more than it sounds when a queen is moving brood at 3 a.m.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWhy this 3D printed ant farm nest works better than a test tube alone\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-benefits-grid\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" rx=\"3\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 9h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 12h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 15h4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eChamber size matched to small ant species\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTight 6.9 cm corridors keep a founding queen's brood cluster together, reducing stress and improving larval survival during the critical first weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C7 2 4 6 4 10c0 6 8 12 8 12s8-6 8-12c0-4-3-8-8-8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePLA material with zero harmful additives\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood-grade PLA contains no plasticizers or heavy-metal pigments, so your colony is not exposed to off-gassing chemicals that can harm brood or queens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 8v4l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBeginner ant keeper setup in under two minutes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo drilling, no silicone curing time, no waiting: place your queen inside, add a damp cotton plug for humidity, and you are done.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 15-6.7L21 8\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 3v5h-5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-15 6.7L3 16\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21v-5h5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eUpgradeable when your ant colony outgrows it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nest works as a founding chamber you connect to a larger formicarium later, so you are not buying a dead-end product: it becomes part of a growing system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003e3D printed beginner ant nest: full specifications and materials\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"yvk-prod-features\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21 21 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 18l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 15l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M11 12l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 9l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 6l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3v18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePLA (polylactic acid, plant-derived)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh-concern chemicals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"2\" y=\"7\" width=\"20\" height=\"14\" rx=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M16 7V5a2 2 0 0 0-4 0v2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 7V5a2 2 0 0 0-4 0v2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVariants available\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor 01 ($18.95) and Color 02 ($19.95)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackage contents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 x 3D printed ant nest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H5a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"9\" cy=\"7\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M23 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-3-3.87\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M16 3.13a4 4 0 0 1 0 7.75\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable species\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall ants: Lasius niger, Lasius flavus, Tetramorium caespitum, small Formica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eHow to set up and maintain your beginner ant farm nest correctly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"yvk-prod-care\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C7 2 4 6 4 10c0 6 8 12 8 12s8-6 8-12c0-4-3-8-8-8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace the nest in a dark, stable location. Founding queens of Lasius niger and Tetramorium caespitum prefer 22-26 C (72-79 F) and 60-70% relative humidity during the founding stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12c0-3 2-5 5-5h8c3 0 5 2 5 5v3H3v-3z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain humidity by placing a small damp cotton plug at the nest entrance or in an adjacent water reservoir. Do not flood the chamber: condensation on the walls is the target, not standing water.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 8v4l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not disturb the queen during the first 4-8 weeks. Founding queens of most small species are claustral, meaning they seal themselves in and raise the first workers from fat reserves. Checking too often stresses them.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21 21 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 18l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 15l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M11 12l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean PLA surfaces with a barely damp cloth only. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners: they can micro-crack the print layer over time and create rough edges that trap debris.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 19v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M2 12h3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M19 12h3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 5l2 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 17l2 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 19l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 7l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the nest away from direct sunlight. PLA softens above roughly 60 C (140 F), so a windowsill in summer sun is a real risk. A shelf or cabinet works perfectly.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 15-6.7L21 8\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 3v5h-5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-15 6.7L3 16\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21v-5h5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen your colony reaches 30-50 workers, connect the nest to a larger formicarium from our ant habitat collection using standard 9 mm tubing. The founding chamber becomes a satellite brood room.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWho this beginner ant farm nest is actually built for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-sociomatch\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou caught your first queen during nuptial flight season, or you just ordered one from a reputable local breeder, and now you need a proper home for her before she starts laying. This nest is sized for exactly that moment: the founding stage, before you have workers, before you need a large habitat. It suits beginners who want a clean, safe, low-cost starting point without committing to a full ant keeping starter kit right away. Parents buying a first educational setup for a curious kid will find it approachable and affordable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot the right fit if you are keeping larger species like Camponotus pennsylvanicus (the black carpenter ant, which needs wider tunnels) or if your colony already has 100-plus workers and needs a full habitat. For those situations, check out our full-size acrylic formicariums instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eBeginner ant farm nest: questions buyers ask before ordering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich ant species fit this nest, and which are too large?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe chamber corridors are sized for small species with workers in the 2-4 mm range. Lasius niger (common black garden ant), Lasius flavus (yellow meadow ant), Tetramorium caespitum (pavement ant), and similarly sized Formica species all move through comfortably. Larger species like Camponotus (carpenter ants, workers up to 13 mm) will find the tunnels too tight and should go into a wider-gauge nest. If you are unsure about your species, \u003cstrong\u003emeasure your queen's body length\u003c\/strong\u003e: anything under 10 mm is generally a good fit here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long does shipping take, and does it ship internationally?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShipping times depend on your location and the carrier selected at checkout. Domestic US orders typically arrive within 7-18 business days for standard shipping from overseas suppliers; check your order confirmation for the tracking link. International shipping is available to most countries, though customs clearance times vary. This product contains no live animals, so there are no USDA or CITES restrictions on the nest itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWill PLA crack or warp over time with humidity inside the nest?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePLA is not hygroscopic in the way that some other plastics are, so normal ant-keeping humidity levels (60-70%) will not cause swelling or warping. The main risk is heat: keep the nest below 45 C (113 F) and away from direct sun, and the print will hold its shape for years of normal use. Surface micro-scratches can appear over time if you clean with abrasive tools, but they do not affect structural integrity or ant welfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow is this different from a standard test-tube founding setup?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA test tube is the classic founding method and works well, but it gives you zero visibility into brood development and no room to add a water reservoir separately from the queen's chamber. This 3D printed nest gives you defined chambers, visible tunnel layout, and a stable footprint you can place inside an outworld or connect to tubing later. Think of it as the next step up: still minimal and beginner-friendly, but with more structure than a cotton-plugged tube. Both approaches work; this one is easier to observe and expand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Product\",\"name\":\"3D Printed Ant Farm Queen Ant Nest for Beginner Ant Keepers - Small Species\",\"image\":[\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-2d32ffaa.webp?v=1787720211\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-benefits-f51d9752.webp?v=1787720218\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-lifestyle-5cf7c5db.webp?v=1787720226\"],\"description\":\"A compact 3D printed PLA ant farm nest sized for founding queens of small species like Lasius niger and Tetramorium caespitum. Measures 6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm, contains no harmful chemicals, and is ready to use straight out of the box.\",\"sku\":\"14:29#01\",\"brand\":{\"@type\":\"Brand\",\"name\":\"Ma boutique\"},\"offers\":{\"@type\":\"Offer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hkuunx-fq.myshopify.com\/products\/3d-printed-ant-farm-queen-ants-nest-supplies-for-beginner-ant-keepers-ant-house-suitable-for-small-ant-species-2\",\"priceCurrency\":\"USD\",\"price\":\"18.95\",\"availability\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\"itemCondition\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\"}}\u003c\/script\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which ant species fit this nest, and which are too large?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The chamber corridors are sized for small species with workers in the 2-4 mm range. Lasius niger, Lasius flavus, Tetramorium caespitum, and similarly sized Formica species all move through comfortably. Larger species like Camponotus will find the tunnels too tight. If your queen's body length is under 10 mm, this nest is generally a good fit.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does shipping take, and does it ship internationally?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Domestic US orders typically arrive within 7-18 business days for standard shipping. International shipping is available to most countries. This product contains no live animals, so there are no USDA or CITES restrictions on the nest itself.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Will PLA crack or warp over time with humidity inside the nest?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"PLA is not hygroscopic at normal ant-keeping humidity levels (60-70%), so swelling or warping is not a concern. Keep the nest below 45 C and away from direct sunlight, and the print will hold its shape for years of normal use.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How is this different from a standard test-tube founding setup?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A test tube works well but gives zero visibility into brood development and no separate water reservoir. This 3D printed nest provides defined chambers, a visible tunnel layout, and a stable footprint you can connect to tubing later. It is the next step up from a test tube: still beginner-friendly, but easier to observe and expand.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ma boutique","offers":[{"title":"01","offer_id":55088335913302,"sku":"14:29#01","price":16.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"02","offer_id":55088335946070,"sku":"14:193#02","price":17.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-2d32ffaa.webp?v=1787720211","url":"https:\/\/theformicarium.com\/products\/3d-printed-ant-farm-queen-ants-nest-supplies-for-beginner-ant-keepers-ant-house-suitable-for-small-ant-species-2","provider":"The Formicarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}