Modular BlackAnt – Set No. 14 with Messor barbarus Colony

Set No. 14 from the BlackAnt line is an advanced, modular formicarium system designed for Messor barbarus colonies from the founding stage up to medium development. It combines a large arena, multiple modular nests in sizes S and M, a hydration system, connectors, tubing and decorative elements – everything you need to build a functional, stable and aesthetic habitat for your colony.

The set is fully compatible with all BlackAnt and AntLove modules, allowing you to expand the formicarium as your colony grows.

What’s included in Set No. 14?

BlackAnt modular components

1 × BlackAnt Arena L
A spacious modular arena with multiple connection ports, ideal for feeding and observing the colony.

2 × BlackAnt Nest S
Compact modular nests, perfect as the colony’s first living chambers or as additional housing segments.

2 × BlackAnt Nest M
Larger, more capacious nests providing additional room for colony expansion.

4 × black protective covers for modular nests
Reduce light exposure and help decrease colony stress, improving overall comfort for the ants.

Note: red covers are not included in the set. They can be selected under the product price as an optional paid upgrade.

Hydration and modular connections

2 × BlackAnt modular waterers
Provide constant access to water and can be easily integrated into the BlackAnt modular system.

2 × fi10 tube connectors
Special connectors for attaching 10 mm flexible tubing to BlackAnt nests and arenas.

0.5 m of fi10 flexible tubing
Transparent, flexible tubing with a 10 mm diameter, intended for external connections between modules.

2 × vertical mounting brackets
Brackets that allow vertical installation of nests, helping you save space and create a more dynamic modular layout.

2 sets (8 pcs) of modular connectors for nests and arenas
A set of connectors for secure, tight connections between all modules in the system.

Ant colony included

Messor barbarus – queen and 10–20 workers
The set includes a young Messor barbarus colony: a queen with her first workers. This harvester ant species is valued for:

• building impressive seed granaries,
• clearly visible worker castes,
• calm behaviour and high tolerance for beginner mistakes.

The price of the ant colony is reduced in this bundle compared to purchasing separately.

Decorative elements

Formicarium decoration set
Natural decorative elements that enrich the arena layout and provide orientation points and hiding places for the ants.

Who is Set No. 14 for?

Set No. 14 is ideal for ant keepers who:

• want to start a Messor barbarus colony in a well-designed modular system,
• need multiple nests and a large arena from the very beginning,
• appreciate the ability to gradually connect new modules,
• are looking for a stable, aesthetic setup with future expansion possibilities in the BlackAnt system.

What’s next?

Set No. 14 can serve as the foundation for a fully developed modular formicarium. As your colony grows, you can connect additional nests, arenas and waterers from the BlackAnt or AntLove series, creating a custom habitat tailored to your colony’s needs. Under the product price, you can also choose optional red covers and extra accessories to further refine your setup.

Recommended accessories

Although Set No. 14 already forms a complete base for your colony, it is worth adding a few extras that make daily care easier:

Food and supplements

• Ant seed mix – the primary food for harvester species, ideal for natural granary behaviour.
• Ground mealworms / Tenebrio molitor powder – an easy-to-digest protein source essential for colony development.

Feeding and maintenance tools

• Precision tweezers – helpful for feeding and cleaning the arena.
• Pipette / dropper – useful for refilling waterers and administering liquid foods.

FAQ – Modular BlackAnt – Set No. 14

For which colony stage is Set No. 14 recommended?
Set No. 14 is suitable for Messor barbarus colonies from the founding stage (queen + first workers) up to medium development. Multiple nests and a large arena allow the colony to expand without replacing the entire setup.

Can I expand the system with additional BlackAnt modules?
Yes. All components included in this set are compatible with BlackAnt and AntLove modules, so you can easily expand the system.

Are red covers included in the set?
No. The set includes black protective covers for the nests. Red covers can be selected under the product price as an optional paid upgrade.

Does the set include an ant colony?
Yes. The set includes a Messor barbarus colony in the queen + 10–20 workers variant, suitable for starting in a modular system.

Is this set suitable for beginners?
Yes. Messor barbarus is considered beginner-friendly, and the modular formicarium with several nests and a large arena makes it easier to observe the colony and expand the system step by step.