Hybrid Formicaria Gen & Class

Whys is it called a hybrid formicarium?

A “Hybrid” formicarium combines different materials to get the most out of each. In the ant-keeping hobby, formicaria are expected to be made out of wood, ytong, gypsum, grout, cement or porous plasters, acrylic, 3D-printed plastic, etc. Each has benefits and weaknesses.

For example, plastic and glass do not absorb water and can feel wet, but gypsum does that very well. Gypsum can often be chewed through, unlike plastic or glass. The external wall of a gypsum, ytong, or mineral nest evaporates water fast, whereas plastic or glass retains water; this is why we often paint the outside of such nests, creating a barrier that slows evaporation. The lists of possibilities and comparisons between materials can go on and on.

Our hybrid formicaria uses a 3D-printed plastic frame sealed with clear glass as the outside shell while capturing humidity; the frame holds the tubing ports, glass & magnets, hydration chambers, structure and the mineral porous substrate for the habitable chambers. This frame benefits from design features that can be achieved with 3D printers. Plastic provides tubing ports that don’t wear out as quickly and grip tubing securely. It has a good bond with the adhesives used on glass and magnets. Lastly, plastic is more resistant to chewing or digging than mineral substrates, adding an extra layer of security.

The substrate is a porous material with a unique formulation of mortar paste mixed with absorbent mineral additives. A rougher surface brings benefits like better flooring and grip (cocoon spinning species benefit a lot), brood rests against a humid material, reduced stress levels due to a more contained space with crevices to store brood, less flooding issues as the material can absorb water. Overall, the substrate provides a more natural feeling and keeps the ants away from the unnatural texture of plain plastic and glass.

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We also have a Formicarium Hydration Guide that explains the difference in hydration mechanisms; jump to it here.

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Our hybrid formicaria are classified into three generations plus three classes. Generations one through three are all very similar, and the class defines a drastic or significant difference in style and use. 

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GEN 1, GEN 2, GEN 3, Evaporator module class, Test tube class & Naturalistic class:
 

Gen 1: Hybrid formicarium with glass-sealed direct hydration chamber inside the plastic/glass frame. Such nests can stand vertically with water against the glass, like the Honeycell mini (always vertically), the larger Honeycell (flat, 45 and 90º),  and the Classic (on the stand at 45º or flat on the back). The substrate is white.

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