Formicarium Labi L

• Total dimensions: 20×20×7 cm
• Arena: 18×7.5×7 cm — integrated, separated by a sliding partition
• Nest section: 20×15 cm gypsum plaster chambers
• Chamber height: 10–15 mm
• Humidity chambers: 4
• Latches: 5 — five-stage expansion control, more than any other model
• Tubing port: 1 × 10 mm
• Lid: hinged lid over nest section with anti-open protection on the last latch
• Capacity: 500–1200 ants
• Made in Poland

The standard large-format gypsum formicarium has 4 latches — four sections, three expansion steps. The LABI L has 5 latches — five sections, four expansion steps. In a 20×20 formicarium with a capacity of 1200 workers, this means each section is smaller: roughly 20% of the total nest per section rather than 25%. The practical effect is significant. A colony introduced to one fifth of a 20×20 nest is in a very appropriately sized initial space — workers establish order quickly, the queen settles, and brood development begins reliably. Each subsequent opening adds a manageable amount of new space. This step-by-step approach, across four expansion events instead of three, produces the most consistent colony establishment results of any formicarium in the range. The LABI L is the formicarium for keepers who do not want to lose colonies to stress.

• Stage 1: introduce the colony (5–50 workers) — four latches closed
• Stage 2: open latch 1 when section 1 is clearly active — colony ~100 workers
• Stage 3: open latch 2 — colony ~200–300 workers
• Stage 4: open latch 3 — colony ~400–600 workers
• Stage 5: open latch 4 — colony ~700–900 workers, full nest available

WARNING: These are approximate guidelines. Always base expansion on actual colony activity — open a new section when the current one is clearly well-populated, not on a fixed schedule. The anti-open protection on the last latch prevents accidental opening.

• European species: Lasius niger, Lasius flavus, Formica species, Tetramorium caespitum, Myrmica rubra, Manica rubida
• Harvesters: Messor barbarus, Messor structor, Messor arenarius, Messor cephalotes, Messor capitatus, Messor wasmanni
• Carpenter ants: Camponotus nicobarensis, Camponotus fedtschenkoi, Camponotus irritans, Camponotus floridanus, Camponotus singularis
• Other: Myrmecocystus species, Myrmicaria species, Pheidole species, Cataglyphis species

Especially recommended for slow-growing species and those where colony loss from early stress is a known risk.

• Humidity: water all 4 humidity chambers via syringe 1–2 times per week
• Sunlight: keep away from direct sunlight
• Feeding: arena only
• Cleaning: arena regularly; nest never
• Expansion: follow the five-stage latch sequence — base each opening on actual colony activity

• Formicarium LABI L — fully assembled, gypsum ready to use
• Hinged nest lid with anti-open protection on the last latch
• Arena lid with crossbar security, 10 mm port

Ants at antontop.com/ants/. Sand at antontop.com/sand/. Videos at youtube.com/@AntOnTop.

How does LABI L differ from BoxLab L and Dragon?
All three are 20×20 with 500–1200 capacity. BoxLab L: rectangular rooms, 4 latches. Dragon: organic layout, 4 latches. LABI L: 5 latches — the finest expansion control of any large-format formicarium in the range.

Is LABI L better than LABI S?
They serve different colony sizes. Start with LABI S for a founding colony or small starter; upgrade to LABI L when the colony approaches 300 workers and needs more space. The LABI L is the direct continuation of the LABI philosophy at larger scale.

What is the anti-open protection?
A mechanical block on the last latch that prevents accidental opening — particularly useful when the formicarium is moved or handled.

Can I connect LABI L to a modular nest?
Yes — the 10 mm tubing port connects to any ANTonTOP modular nest or arena.