Thermometer + Hygrometer 2-in-1 — Temperature & Humidity Monitor

• Display: LCD, 36 × 17 mm — both readings visible simultaneously
• Temperature accuracy: ±0.3 °C
• Humidity accuracy: ±5% relative humidity
• Refresh rate: 1 second
• Measurement: ambient (no probe)
• Power: coin-cell battery (replaceable)
• Use: formicariums, terrariums, breeding rooms

Most temperate ants tolerate a wide humidity range and do not need active monitoring. The species that need it are tropical and subtropical ones — Atta, Acromyrmex, Carebara, Daceton, most rainforest Camponotus, and species kept in heated rooms during dry European winters. For these, brood development requires 60–80% relative humidity in the nest zone. Below 50%, larvae desiccate; brood stops developing.

If you keep any of these species, a hygrometer is not optional — it is the only way to know whether your nest hydration setup is working.

Place next to the formicarium or in the same enclosed environment where the colony lives. The 2-in-1 measures ambient — the air around it. For sealed formicaria where interior conditions differ from ambient, use the probe version (Thermometer + Hygrometer with Probe) which has a sensor on a long cable.

• Works alongside all formicarium types
• Pair with our heating mat if you also need active temperature control
• Essential for tropical species in our live ant catalogue

• 1 × 2-in-1 digital thermometer and hygrometer
• Coin-cell battery included

Does it have a probe?
No — this is the no-probe version, measuring ambient air. For probe-based measurement inside a sealed formicarium, see the probe version.

Will room humidity match formicarium humidity?
Roughly yes for open arenas; no for sealed nest sections with active hydration. If your formicarium is open-top or well-ventilated, ambient readings are a good proxy for interior. If it is sealed and you wet a hydration chamber regularly, the interior runs much higher than ambient — use a probe.

How accurate is ±5% humidity?
Sufficient for ant keeping. A 5% margin (e.g. 60–70%) is well within the range any species tolerates. For laboratory-grade accuracy you would need a separate dedicated device costing 10× more.

What target humidity for tropical species?
60–80% in the nest zone is the common target. Above 90% encourages mould; below 50% larvae desiccate. Adjust by adding water to a hydration chamber or wetted cotton.