=============================================================================================
=============================================================================================
Nest material: nests bodies are made out of PLA/PETG and acrylic board/glass; substrates are made out of neutral pH plaster (brand: perfect plaster), and natural river sand collected from lake Michigan. The nest materials have been tested for 8 months to date (Dec 2025) on multiple ant species.
Shipping: I am in Chicago, Illinois. Shipment is handled through USPS, usually cost $6 but can scale with weight if purchase is heavy. Shipping is free for purchase above $100. Lead time is 1-7 days depending on stock and my availability.
Payment: payment can be processed through Zelle, PayPal (friends and family), or Cash App.
Nest upgrades: I try my best to constantly update my design for each nest model based on customer feedback, which may lead to slight modifications compared the pictures you see here.
Refund policy: I normally do not accept refunds without valid reason. You will receive a replacement for any damaged or missing parts resulting from shipment (with unboxing video) and I will cover the shipping cost. Warning: as the nest involves manual work and 3D printing, small imperfections may exist. Please reconsider if you have OCD.
Customizations: you can choose surface finish between bare plaster, sand embedded plaster, and sand covered plaster or the color of the nest body (black, white, transparent) free of charge. Please leave a note when you make a purchase, or I will send a random surface finish. Customizations such as varying nest size, port connection may be done upon request.
Also on instagram Formifactory.
=============================================================================================
The Lodge
Item description: a cozy space for your arboreal ants. Featuring a nest body consisting of rows of tight channels integrated into a 11 x 11 cm outworld. The nest body is designed to have two completely separated chamebrs to simulate the satellite nest commonly adopted in arboreal ants. The ability to observe your ants climb up from the ladder at the back into the lodge style nest is the essence of the design. As the colony outgrows, a new piece of acrylic wall with screw in nest body may be purchased and attached to the opposite side.
Used for ants: arboreal ants such as cephalotes, pseudomyrmex, crematogaster, aphaenogaster, .etc.
Size: 11 x 11 x 8 cm; 6 mm channel height, 2.5 mm entrance diameter.
Material: 1/8" acrylic, PLA
Hydration method: this nest has no active hydration system as it is designed for arboreal species. A water feeder in the outworld is usually sufficient.
Available colors: white/black
Price: $60 ($20 for additional acrylic wall and screw in nest body).
Availability: made to order.
Latest modifications: Nest entrances minimized to two; two halves of the nest are totally separated to mimic satellite nest for arboreal ants.
=============================================================================================
Item description: a perfect nest for miniature ants. Specially designed for founding colonies and small ant species, The Incubator combines versatility with reliability. It features multiple hydration options (substrate or air humidity), a built-in water feeder, and your choice of plaster or sand finish. Its stackable design saves space—ideal for keepers managing multiple colonies.
Used for ants: small ants such as Pheidole, Dorymyrmex, Monomorium, Solenopsis, Tapinoma, .etc.
Size: 6 x 6 x 3.5 cm; 45-50 ml water reservoir.
Material: 1/8" acrylic, PLA
Hydration method: air humidity or substrate hydration by choice.
Available colors: white/black/transparent
Price: $22/$25 for three split chambers with controlled access.
Availability: made to order.
=============================================================================================
Item description: an economic substrate hydration nest with 6x6x2 cm internal dimensions to connect to your own outworld. A screw in 15 mL glass vial ensures prolonged hydration when you are away.
Used for ants: small to medium ants that benefit from higher humidity.
Size: 6 x 6 x 2 cm; 15 ml water reservoir; 6 mm (OD)/4 mm (ID) PVC tube; 3 mm (ID) barb.
Material: clear acrylic, PLA.
Hydration method: substrate hydration.
Available colors: white/black/transparent.
Price: $15.
Availability: made to order.
=============================================================================================
Item description: designed for founding colonies, The Cubicle offers a secure 5x5x3 cm inner space with a 50 ml integrated water tower—built to last through weeks of growth without drying out. Compact form, natural ingredients, and maximum hydration make this the perfect nest for early-stage colonies. For the latest design, a 20 ml integrated water feeder side-arm is connected to the outworld, freeing up space to feed your ants.
Used for ants: medium to large ants.
Size: 5 x 5 x 3 cm (inner); 50 ml water reservoir.
Material: clear acrylic, PLA.
Hydration method: air humidity or substrate hydration by choice
Available colors: white/black/transparent.
Price: $40 for basic design/$45 for the square-in-square or triangular-split expandable design.
Availability: made to order
Latest modifications: magnets replaced with screw for better security; top cap changed from slotted acrylic to stainless steel mesh for better ventilation; water feeder added to the exterior of the outworld. Transluscent purple or fully black nest cover available free of charge with purchase note.
=============================================================================================
Item description: designed for better viewing angle, The Citadel includes four slanted chambers with microscope glass covers. The plugs on the corners allow the you to control the access to subsequent chambers as your colony grows. The screw in glass vial provides substrate hydration for two of the four chambers.
Used for ants: medium to large ants.
Size: 12 x 12 x 3 cm (outer); 15 ml water reservoir.
Material: 1/8" acrylic, glass slide, PLA.
Hydration method: substrate hydration.
Available colors: white/black.
Price: $40
Availability: made to order.
=============================================================================================
Used for ants: medium to large ants. Great viewing for honeypots.
Size: 6 x 6 x 6 cm (outworld/nest chamber); 100 ml water reservoir.
Material: 1/8" acrylic, PLA/PETG.
Hydration method: air hydration.
Available colors: white.
Price: $70
Availability: 1 unit.
Edited by FormiFactory, December 9 2025 - 10:16 PM.
