A tried and true nest design for many years, the Petri Dish Formicarium is an effective, inexpensive way to contain small and growing colonies of an array of ant species. The nests are 2 3/4 inches in diameter, and 1 1/16 inches tall, with around 3/4 inches of UltraCal concrete inside. The concrete provides both a surface for the ant colony to nest on, and a water delivery method to keep the nest hydrated. Additionally, the rough surface of the concrete allows cryptic species that have trouble walking on plastic and glass to grip well to the nesting surface. Small stones are embedded in the surface of the UltraCal to assist larvae in the process of making cocoons. The nest can be watered by inserting a water filled blunt-tip syringe into the side vents of the nest. Nests should be watered over the course of a few minutes to allow the nest time to absorb the water. Watering is recommended at least once every two weeks, but may be needed more often. Each order will include a syringe for watering the nest.
To wash nest, disassemble and hand wash in hot water. Let dry, and reassemble.
Bryan Leyva (verified owner) –
The Petri Dish works great, my badius colony loved it! Better than a test tube especially when you have bigger species.