Modular Nest Zerg 20×10 cm.

• Dimensions: 20×10 cm
• Chamber height: 9 mm — suitable for Lasius, Tetramorium, Messor, Camponotus (small–medium), and most popular species
• Lockable entrances: 6 × nut-and-screw closures (screwdriver required)
• Humidification chambers: 2 — water added via 3 mm syringe port, no direct contact with nest chambers
• Internal latches: 3 — one per section, full zone control
• Tubing ports: 2 × 10 mm
• Colony capacity: approx. 400–800 workers
• Material: 3 mm layered acrylic, stainless steel screws
• Ventilation: laser-cut micro-perforations
• Made in Poland

Where the Koło is built around open circulation, the Zerg is built around control. Three internal latches divide the nest into three parallel zones — you decide which sections are open, which are closed, and when the colony is allowed to move between them. This has practical advantages: you can start the colony in one zone and open the next only when the first is full, preventing the stress of an oversized empty nest. You can close off a zone to inspect it without disturbing the rest of the colony. And species that naturally prefer clearly partitioned nest structures — such as Messor harvesters, which often separate seed stores from brood areas — settle into a Zerg layout very naturally.

The Zerg has two separated humidification chambers covering the full 20 cm nest length. Water is added through a 3 mm syringe port. Moisture moves between the acrylic layers and raises humidity gradually throughout all three zones — without flooding or direct contact with the colony. Two chambers ensure balanced moisture distribution even when internal latches divide the nest. Water once or twice per week is sufficient. No plaster, no soil — clean acrylic with built-in sponge layers.

• 6 lockable entrances — nut-and-screw mechanism, screwdriver required to open
• 2 × 10 mm tubing ports for connecting to an arena or other modules
• Tight module-to-module fit — no gaps between connected units

For extra security with escape-prone species, apply a thin layer of escape prevention barrier (fluon, mineral oil, or talc-water paste) to the upper inner walls of the arena.

WARNING: Do not open the nest entrances until the colony has settled. Introduce the colony into one zone first and open additional zones gradually.

The Zerg suits colonies between 200 and 800 workers. Start the colony in a single zone and open the latches as the colony grows — this staged approach reduces stress and keeps the colony feeling secure. When all three zones are active and the colony approaches 800 workers, connect a second module or upgrade to a 20×20 nest such as the Nest Matrix or Nest Muta.

• European species: Lasius niger, Lasius flavus, Lasius alienus, Tetramorium caespitum, Myrmica rubra, Manica rubida, Formica species
• Harvesters (especially recommended): Messor barbarus, Messor structor, Messor capitatus, Messor wasmanni, Messor ponticus, Messor muticus — the partitioned zones suit their natural habit of separating seed stores from brood
• Carpenter ants (small–medium): Camponotus lateralis, Camponotus piceus, Camponotus fallax, Camponotus cruentatus
• Other: Pheidole species, Crematogaster species, Cataglyphis species

Note: 9 mm chamber height suits workers up to approx. 7–8 mm. For larger species, choose a nest with 13 mm or 16 mm chambers.

• Humidity: water via both syringe ports 1–2 times per week
• Sunlight: keep away from direct sunlight
• Feeding: feed in the connected arena only
• Cleaning: clean the arena regularly; never clean inside the nest
• Latches: use to stage colony expansion — open each zone only when the previous one is well-populated

• Modular Nest Zerg — 20×10 cm, fully assembled and ready to use
• Coloured identification sticker (colour on request when ordering)
• Stainless steel screws pre-installed

Ships assembled with a protective film. Connect to an arena using a 10 mm tube. Ants not included — browse at antontop.com/ants/.

Ships from Poland across Europe. All parts replaceable — contact us if anything arrives damaged. Videos at youtube.com/@AntOnTop.

What are the 3 latches for?
Each latch controls access to one of three parallel zones. You can open them gradually as the colony grows, or close individual zones for inspection without disturbing the rest of the nest.

How is the Zerg different from the Koło?
Both are 20×10. The Koło has a ring-corridor for open circulation; the Zerg has three separate parallel zones — more control, more enclosed, better for species that prefer partitioned spaces.

Is it good for Messor harvesters?
Yes — Messor species naturally separate seed storage from brood areas, and the Zerg’s three-zone layout matches this behaviour well.

How many ants can it hold?
Approximately 400–800 workers. Expand with a second module or upgrade to 20×20 when approaching capacity.