{"product_id":"ecological-ant-nest-formicarium-kit","title":"Modular Ecological Ant Nest - Combination Formicarium Workshop","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.yvk-prod{display:block;font-family:inherit;color:#1f1610;font-size:16px;line-height:1.65;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}.yvk-prod *{box-sizing:border-box}.yvk-prod-hook{font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 28px;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-hook strong{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-trust{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 48px;border-top:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0;padding:18px 0}.yvk-prod-trust-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;flex:1 1 160px}.yvk-prod-trust-item svg{color:#a84c42;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-story{margin:0 0 52px}.yvk-prod-story p{margin:0 0 16px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.7;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-story p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:28px;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:2px;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:12px;padding:24px 20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:44px;height:44px;background:#a84c420f;border-radius:10px;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-benefit h3{font-size:17px;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;margin:0;line-height:1.3}.yvk-prod-benefit p{font-size:15px;color:#1f1610;opacity:.82;margin:0;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-features{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 0 8px;font-size:15px}.yvk-prod-features tr{border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-features tr:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-features td{padding:13px 14px;vertical-align:middle;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word}.yvk-prod-feature-ico{width:36px;text-align:center}.yvk-prod-feature-ico svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-features.yvk-feat-label{font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;white-space:normal;width:38%}.yvk-prod-features.yvk-feat-val{color:#1f1610;opacity:.82}.yvk-prod-features tr:nth-child(even){background:#fefcf8}.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:13px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1f1610;background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:14px 16px}.yvk-prod-care-item svg{color:#a84c42;opacity:.85;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch{font-size:16px;line-height:1.7;color:#1f1610;margin:0 0 8px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch p{margin:0 0 12px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.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 10px 10px 0;overflow:hidden;border-top:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-right:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-faq summary{padding:18px 20px;font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:12px;transition:background.18s}.yvk-prod-faq summary:hover{background:#a84c420a}.yvk-prod-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.yvk-prod-faq-chevron{flex-shrink:0;transition:transform.22s;color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-faq[open].yvk-prod-faq-chevron{transform:rotate(180deg)}.yvk-prod-faq-answer{padding:0 20px 18px;font-size:15px;color:#1f1610;opacity:.85;line-height:1.65;border-top:1px solid #e7ddd0;padding-top:14px}.yvk-prod svg{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex-shrink:0}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:24px}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.yvk-prod-features{display:block;overflow-x:auto}.yvk-prod-trust{flex-direction:column;gap:14px}}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e.yvk-prod{font-size:max(16px,1em)}.yvk-prod table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse}.yvk-prod td,.yvk-prod th{white-space:normal!important;overflow-wrap:anywhere}.yvk-prod-features-wrap{overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;max-width:100%}.yvk-prod img,.yvk-prod svg{max-width:100%}\n@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}.yvk-prod-trust{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column!important;align-items:center!important;text-align:center;gap:10px}.yvk-prod-trust\u003e*{width:100%;max-width:360px;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important}\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"yvk-prod-hook\"\u003eYour colony outgrows its test tube, and suddenly you need a real home for them fast. The \u003cstrong\u003emodular ecological ant nest\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you a fully expandable combination formicarium that grows with your ants, not against them.\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=\"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 original packaging\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=\"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 in materials\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 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\u003eExpandable modular design\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"yvk-prod-story\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI remember the exact moment I realized my first acrylic nest was already too small, three weeks after my \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (black garden ant) queen laid her first batch of eggs. The colony was fine, but I was already stressed about the next upgrade. A combination nest like this one would have saved me that headache entirely. The modular format means you connect additional chambers as the colony grows, instead of starting over with a new setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis upgraded Q-version ecological formicarium is built as a complete ant breeding workshop in a single kit. The combination nest format connects a living area, a foraging arena, and expansion ports so you can add modules later without disturbing the colony. Available in four color options (red, white, yellow, brown) so it fits your shelf without looking like lab equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere most starter nests force you to choose between a test-tube setup and a full outworld, this one bridges the gap. It is the kind of gear I would hand to someone moving their first founding colony out of a test tube, or to a keeper running a mid-size \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e (carpenter ant) colony who wants a cleaner, more permanent home. Yes, you will end up rearranging the modules at midnight because the ants decided to relocate. We all do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWhy a modular ecological ant nest is worth the upgrade from a basic setup\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=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"14\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"14\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 14h.01\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 17h7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 14v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCombination nest that scales with your colony\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect extra chambers as your ant population grows, so you never have to do a stressful full-colony transfer mid-season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\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\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3v9l5 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEcological formicarium that saves setup time\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe workshop-style all-in-one kit includes nest, foraging zone, and connection ports, so you spend less time building and more time watching your colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\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\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\n\u003ch3\u003eFour color options for any keeper's shelf\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed, white, yellow, or brown shells blend into a naturalist display or a clean lab-style rack, your choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\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\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\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnt-safe materials in every combination nest module\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo high-concern chemicals detected in the construction materials, so your queen and brood are not exposed to off-gassing from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eEcological combination ant nest: what is in the kit and how it is built\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"yvk-prod-features\"\u003e\n\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 class=\"yvk-feat-label\"\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-val\"\u003eCombination nest (modular, expandable)\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 class=\"yvk-feat-label\"\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-val\"\u003eEcological composite (no high-concern chemicals)\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=\"6\" height=\"10\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"9\" y=\"4\" width=\"6\" height=\"13\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"16\" y=\"9\" width=\"6\" height=\"8\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-label\"\u003eColor variants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-val\"\u003eRed, White, Yellow, Brown\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 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\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-label\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-val\"\u003eUSA\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 class=\"yvk-feat-label\"\u003eWhat is in the box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-val\"\u003eCombination nest unit with foraging area and expansion ports\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=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"14\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"14\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 17h7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 14v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-label\"\u003eExpandability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-feat-val\"\u003eYes, modular ports for additional chambers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eHow to set up and maintain your ecological combination ant nest\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=\"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\u003eUnbox and rinse the nest chambers with plain water before introducing any ants. Let them dry fully, at least 2 hours, before adding your colony.\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=\"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 on a stable, flat surface away from direct sunlight. Most common species (Lasius, Formica, Camponotus) prefer ambient room temperature between 68-79 F (20-26 C).\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 in the nest chamber by adding a few drops of water to the moistening port or a cotton plug every 2-4 days, depending on your ambient humidity. Aim for 50-70% relative humidity inside the nest area.\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 6h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 6V4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M16 6V4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"6\" width=\"18\" height=\"14\" rx=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 10h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean the foraging arena weekly by removing uneaten food and debris with soft tweezers. Avoid chemical cleaners inside the nest, plain water on a cotton swab is enough.\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 out of direct UV light. Prolonged sun exposure can warp the housing and stress the colony. A shaded shelf or a light cover over the nest area works well.\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\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"14\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"14\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 17h7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 14v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen your colony fills roughly 70% of the current chambers, connect an expansion module through the port. Do not wait until the nest is completely packed, ants get stressed in overcrowded conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWho this modular ant breeding workshop is built for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-sociomatch\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nest fits keepers who have moved past the test-tube founding stage and want a permanent, expandable home for a small to mid-size colony. If you are running \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (black garden ants), \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e species, or a young \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e (carpenter ant) colony of 50-500 workers, this combination format gives you room to grow without buying a new setup every six months. Parents setting up a first educational colony for kids will also appreciate the all-in-one format: less DIY, more watching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot the right fit if you are keeping army ants (Eciton or Dorylus), which need specialized flow-through systems, or if your colony already numbers several thousand workers and needs a large-format acrylic or glass formicarium. For those situations, check out our full formicarium collection for larger options. If you are still in the founding stage and not sure your queen has mated, our guide to identifying a mated queen is worth reading first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eCombination ant nest formicarium: questions keepers ask before buying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhich ant species and colony sizes work best in this combination nest?\u003csvg class=\"yvk-prod-faq-chevron\" 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\u003cpolyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eThis format works well for small to mid-size colonies of beginner-friendly species: \u003cstrong\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/strong\u003e (black garden ants), Formica species, and young Camponotus colonies up to roughly 300-500 workers. The modular ports let you add chambers as numbers grow. Avoid using it for army ants or very large exotic colonies that need specialized ventilation systems.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow long does shipping take, and does it ship internationally?\u003csvg class=\"yvk-prod-faq-chevron\" 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\u003cpolyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eDelivery times vary by destination: typically 10-20 business days for US orders, with tracking provided after dispatch. International shipping is available to most countries, but check your local import regulations for ant-keeping equipment before ordering. This product contains no live animals.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow durable is the ecological nest material over time?\u003csvg class=\"yvk-prod-faq-chevron\" 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\u003cpolyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eThe housing is built from an ecological composite that holds up well under normal indoor conditions: stable humidity, ambient temperature, and no direct sunlight. Avoid dropping the modules or exposing them to prolonged UV, which can cause warping over months. With standard care, the structure stays solid for several years of continuous colony use.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow does this combination nest compare to a plain acrylic or glass formicarium?\u003csvg class=\"yvk-prod-faq-chevron\" 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\u003cpolyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eA plain acrylic or glass formicarium gives you maximum visibility and is easier to photograph your colony, but it is a fixed size. This ecological combination nest trades some optical clarity for modularity: you can expand it without disturbing the colony, which matters a lot once your queen starts laying at full capacity. If top-down visibility is your priority, browse our acrylic formicarium range for a direct comparison.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ma boutique","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55088316055894,"sku":"14:29#Yellow","price":35.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-07a69c8f.webp?v=1788568044","url":"https:\/\/theformicarium.com\/products\/ecological-ant-nest-formicarium-kit","provider":"The Formicarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}