FlexGrid
A meticulously engineered formicaria ecosystem designed to be modular, adaptable, simple.
The Nest 4×4
Textured gypsum-cement inserts provide naturalistic substrate and retain moisture within the nest. A variety of swappable designs ensures our nests can be comfortable for many different species.
An easy access hydration port slowly and consistently wicks moisture into the removable gypsum insert.
Locking sliding doors allow safe and controlled access to new modules when expanding your formicaria system. Lift up to unlock, slide, then press down to lock.
Four KeySnap doorways (patent pending) make rearranging and attaching new nests intuitive, fast, and secure. Expand in any direction by inserting a KeySnap connector and snapping on a new nest from the side or from above.
The Outworld 4×4
With almost 16 square inches of space, the outworld has plenty of room for liquid feeders, a trash tray, and enrichment.
The dual-lid design provides an easily removable screw-top insert with surrounding ceiling space for fluon or oil, while still allowing for the entire lid to be removed if a larger opening is desired.
Silicone gaskets, strategically placed such that no carpenter ant will ever get a mandible on them, seal against even the smallest ants in the world.
Rounded corners improve escape-proofing by making fluon or oil more effective and easier to apply.
A 75-micron stainless steel mesh provides plenty of airflow while securing against even the smallest micro-species.
Specially designed entrance plugs are easy to insert and remove with tweezers.
Four KeySnap doorways allow for easy expansion in any direction.
The Founding 4×4
Your queen deserves better than a test tube.
The FlexGrid Founding 4×4 provides a nest and an outworld in a compact footprint.
The nest mimics the size of a 16mm diameter test-tube but provides a comfortable substrate, easy moisture control, and expandability via KeySnap doorways.
The Ecosystem
Connection and expansion is where the magic happens!
FlexGrid modules can be tiled together in all directions so that your ants' home can grow with them. Your founding module can become a seamless part of a larger nest as your colony becomes established.
The patent-pending KeySnap connector system is strong enough to lift a 3x3 grid of modules from one corner—though, to be safe, we recommend splitting large assemblies into 2x2 squares before moving them. Luckily, this is easily done because of the sliding doors and outworld plugs!
Always Evolving
We're always working on new modules to add to the FlexGrid family!
Three modules are in the works, to be released soon:
The Nest 8×8
The Outworld 8×8
The Tower 4×4
FlexGrid
Frequently asked questions
What ant species are compatible with FlexGrid?
Almost any species that can fit through a 3/8-inch hole! The only exception we're aware of are species that need ceiling space to hang, like those in the Myrmecocystus genus (that is, Honeypot ants). We have a separate line of Honeypot nests, and we're working on a series of extra large nests for giant ants like Dinomyrmex!
Can I connect FlexGrid to my current tubs-and-tubes formicarium?
Yes, the entryways of the FlexGrid modules are designed to be compatible with 3/8-inch outer diameter tubing and, with a tubing adapter key, with 1/2-inch tubing. It's easy to move in your colony from your old formicarium!