What is a formicarium and why do you need one?

Plaster, acrylic and combined plaster-and-acrylic formicariums (ant farms) are designed for the long-term keeping and development of ant colonies. All formicariums have humidification chambers, usually one and sometimes more, intended to provide the most important condition inside the farm: the right humidity. These chambers must be filled regularly with cool boiled water to maintain and adjust the moisture level according to the requirements and preferences of the ant species. A humidity gradient is very important for many ant species. Broadly, a formicarium can be divided into three moisture zones: humid, moderately humid and dry. In the most humid chambers, closest to the humidification chamber, ants sometimes sprout seeds to eat the fresh shoots. In the dry chambers, furthest from the humidification chamber, they establish “pantries” to store their provisions. Ants raise different stages of brood in humid, dry and moderately humid chambers, the latter being at an intermediate distance from the humidification chamber. They know which conditions suit each stage of development. You will observe them moving eggs, larvae and pupae, and will soon begin to understand their reasoning. It is fascinating.

All farms have a special area called an arena. This is where ants hunt and forage. With a properly organised living space, they will also establish a “rubbish dump” here, carrying out dead ants and waste produced by the colony. You will need to clear these dumps periodically with tweezers or another convenient method. The arena therefore always has a lid that makes caring for the ants easier. Feeding also takes place in the arena. This is where you will leave food and treats for your small civilisation.

Most series of our formicariums are modular, allowing additional units to be connected easily to expand the living space or arena.