Observation area 35x15cm + Artist's Decor

Description

More than just an external feeding area, an Observation Space allows for a better understanding of the behavior of ants outside their anthill, thus offering a new dimension to their rearing without the risk of escape.

Open to the outside, it connects to your Artificial Ant Farm via two 9mm holes and recreates the natural environment ants encounter above ground. It allows them to collect food and dispose of waste more easily, with all the safety provided by our innovations.

This concept allows us to:

– Eliminate 100% of escapes with our revolutionary technology.
– Protect ants from other poorly applied anti-escape treatments.
– Promote the development of species that spend a lot of time outdoors.
– Observe hunting and seed-gathering behavior.
– Study the use of trailing pheromones.
– Greatly simplify feeding and cleaning your colony.
– Raise a colony in a test tube placed inside the Space.
– Observe ants moving through a long tube if installed in another room or on a shelf.

 

Its crystal-clear Plexiglas walls allow for the best possible observations, while a laser engraving authenticates our work. As for the non-stick frame, it guarantees a direct view of the ants, preventing any unwanted escapes from the container.

 

Presentation suggestion: Observation Space connected to two Minora units sold separately.

20cm hose and 2 plugs included with each Espace.

 

Permanent non-stick treatment without oil or talc.

Zero escape. Guaranteed for life.
To ensure that no ant ever leaves the Space despite its open design, a permanent non-stick coating—likely the smoothest ever created in the industry—is applied beneath the satin-finish Plexiglas frame. This protects it from dirt and moisture, ensuring a lifetime of protection. And for complete access to the tray, the frame is fully removable.

Technology used by ant research laboratories.

Absolute safety. Even on Pheidole pallidula.

This virtually indestructible coating will never need replacing and is 100% effective on all species. Even the smallest ants glide instantly. They are also protected from common but sometimes risky techniques, such as oil or chemicals, if used incorrectly.
Therefore, we naturally offer a lifetime guarantee and will cover the cost of replacement should any problem arise, even in the event of misuse by the user (only shipping is the customer's responsibility).
In France and Switzerland, ant research laboratories have been familiar with this ultra-slippery coating for decades, as they cannot afford to lose any specimens. This is also the case for the largest insectarium in America: the Montreal Insectarium. But this complete confidence comes at the cost of special materials that must be designed specifically for this purpose from the outset. This is precisely the reason for the existence of the Observation Areas, designed by Fourmiculture to accommodate this technology.
Using a lid or mesh becomes completely unnecessary and allows easy access to the bin without risking worker egress when opening.

An interchangeable backdrop to explore.

Photo: © Patrice Grilli, Fourmiculture.

For each Observation Space, a unique, handcrafted background is created using materials such as moss, stones, and bark. It is inspired by the neutral and natural materials we incorporate into our mold. The base material is very hard and reminiscent of ceramic.
Our backgrounds are easily interchangeable, allowing you to remove and swap them in seconds to change your ants' environment or restore their pristine appearance. New backgrounds will always be available online in the future to support your colony's growth and offer them a different world.
To encourage your ants to explore their new space and demonstrate sustained activity, you can heat the background to 27°C (81°F) with a heating mat or lamp (carefully monitor the temperature with a thermometer).
The Observation Space is ideal for cleaning: the base is washable with water or alcohol, the background is easy to remove for brushing or replacement, and the frame is fingerprint-resistant (avoid touching the treated area).
A unique setting chosen by the artist…
Each Observation Space is carefully packaged and then randomly selected when you place your order. It's a special moment because we know it's unique; no other will ever be like it. Now all that's left is to wait for your first impression.

Examples of decorative elements:

…or custom-made?
Do you have a grand idea or specific tastes? With our €25 option on your first purchase, we'll create the perfect décor, just for you. Simply indicate your preferences for materials, styles, and colors in the order comments. We'll then create a design as close as possible to your tastes. Upon request, we'll send you a photo for approval of the composition. For more unusual requests, please don't hesitate to contact us beforehand to confirm the cost and feasibility.

Custom-made decorations are manufactured by Fourmiculture within 7 days (depending on the project) and dried within a few days. They are delivered ready to be placed in your Observation Area.
Standard decorations are in stock and shipped within 48 hours.

Limitless possibilities.
Imagine your Observation Spaces teeming with life, filled with numerous worker bees actively exploring. They need a fresh perspective.

The Observation Areas can be stacked (with a custom-designed layout that avoids excessively tall elements), connected to each other in any direction using the original or custom-made holes, and arranged to your liking for a unique setup that allows for endless observation. Let your creativity flow!
Meticulous craftsmanship.
When we began designing this product, we thought it would be simple. In reality, we had to start from scratch several times to overcome assembly challenges and eliminate weaknesses without compromising on aesthetics or practicality. After 13 months of work, design, and testing, the arrival of this new generation of feeding area allows us to showcase our expertise with a product boasting a remarkable finish. Final assembly is carried out with a tolerance of two-tenths of a millimeter.
Our frame is made of the same satin-finish white Plexiglas used in our Ant Farms to perfectly match and complement your setup. Furthermore, the frame is simply recessed into the top of the tray, allowing it to be removed at will.

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Money-Back Guarantee:
After 30 days of real-world testing, if you are not convinced by its qualities, return it at our expense and we will refund you 100%.

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A question about the Observation Space?

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Manufacturing and materials:
– Designed and manufactured by Fourmiculture in the European Union using 100% European raw materials.
– 4mm thick solid Plexiglas tray guaranteed against yellowing for 30 years. –
Escape-proof frame made of satin-finish, non-stick composite Plexiglas, guaranteed for life.
– Connection holes: 2 x 9mm holes, others available upon request.
– Dimensions: 35 x 15 x 5 cm

Care instructions:
– Wipe the Plexiglas with a damp microfiber cloth or a damp, then dry, tissue. Alcohol may be used. Do not touch or clean the back of the frame with the anti-escape coating.
– The anti-escape coating can be renewed if damaged or misused.

Caution:
Do not expose the Observation Space to humidity or heat, especially unevenly. This may cause the Plexiglas to warp and compromise the quality of its assembly. For a humidity- and heat-resistant version, please contact us.