Quadricity Model 2 Ant Farm, 3rd Gen. Fourmiculture®

Description

Main photo: Quadricity Model 2 + Small Power Supply Module sold separately.

This is the Quadricity Model 2 Anthill.  

The result of several years of development by Fourmiculture and our engineers, the Quadricity is quite simply the most advanced Artificial Ant Farm available. It combines a wealth of ingenuity to make raising and observing ants absolutely simple thanks to a series of innovations, including:

– Division into 4 "rooms" for up to 4 colonies,

– Patented 9-level humidification and over a month of battery life,

– Extendable from 22cm to 44cm diagonally with 8 optional modules,

– Ultra-modular with "Housing" and "Power Supply" modules in 2 sizes,

– Adjustable room height.

Quadricity thus makes ant farming accessible to everyone, regardless of the species from 3 to 16mm long, while also helping serious enthusiasts to succeed in their breeding.

4 Parts “Housing”.

1 Central intersection.

Up to 4 colonies.

The Quadricity is divided into 4 "Housing" sections connected by a central intersection.

Each section consists of chambers similar to those that ants find in nature.

A set of partitions allows you to choose whether your ants will have access to the other chamber areas or not by turning them at will into the "Open" or "Closed" position at the central crossroads.

We've even included a mesh partition so your different colonies can smell each other through the laser-cut micro-holes. Observe their reactions. It's proven that smelling a potential adversary increases soldier production in Pheidole pallidula!

Raising up to four completely different species is incredibly easy and allows you to compare their differences. For example, between the impressive harvester ants, Messor barbarus, and the small aphid-farming ants, Lasius niger. (The extra humidity generated by four colonies is unsuitable for Messor, as their seeds could germinate.)

All other experiments are possible: raising one colony and then gradually expanding its available space, raising two colonies and providing each with two "Habitat" sections, and so on! Alternatively, why not compare two diets in colonies of the same species?

The Quadricity simply gives you the possibility to raise 1 to 4 colonies with a minimum of space, saving you the purchase of unnecessary ant farms (with 4 colonies, the Quadricity costs €44.75/colony).

Integrated mini-feeding area for the Quadricity Model 2 ant farm.
To feed your small colony, you can place food in the central feeding area shown above. A lid provides access. It can also be divided into four sections using the partitions to feed each colony (seeds for Messor, sugary and protein-rich liquids for Lasius, etc.). Later, you can add an external feeding area for each colony as needed.
Adaptable chambers compatible with all species*.
The chamber dimensions have been designed to suit almost all species. However, it is possible to adjust the chamber height by removing or adding a level to best meet the needs of the species being kept.

The Quadricity is supplied with two 4mm tiers, i.e. 8mm, for a height that will suit Lasius, Messor minor and young colonies of Messor barbarus.

For the largest species (Camponotus ligniperdus, large colonies of Messor barbarus), it is possible to add a third 4mm stage and thus reach chambers of 12mm.

If you are raising different sized species in the same Quadricity, we advise you to keep the 2 levels provided for a better compromise of height.

* Very small species such as Pheidole pallidula sometimes require certain parts of the ant nest to be joined together. Conversely, keeping species longer than 16mm is not recommended.

3rd generation capillary humidification system.

Reliable and revolutionary with 9 visible humidification levels.

Virtually unlimited autonomy.

Patent filed with the INPI.

 

Your ants will never again fear lack or excess water, leaks and forgetfulness because we have designed a new humidification system more reliable than anything that existed before.

It's simple: fill the reservoirs placed under the anthill. In a few minutes, the chambers become humid through capillary action.

Indeed, the Quadricity humidifier is made of a bioplastic, itself containing an ultra-hard and absorbent mineral material. It forms the floor of the Quadricity ant farm chambers (or modules) and serves as a natural, humid substrate for the ants, meeting their humidity requirements.

Thus, this system invented and patented by Fourmiculture is unique on the market and protected from any counterfeiting or copying.

After one or more years of successful breeding, the old humidifier can be removed and a new one installed in minutes to restore the cleanliness to its original state (provided the ants are not present, having been temporarily relocated to a separate ant farm). Designed as a consumable sold separately, it allows your Quadricity ant farm to last indefinitely in near-new condition.

 

Battery life of over a month!

Expandable as desired depending on the tank capacity!

With 8 wicks and 9 humidity levels, the Quadricity can humidify according to the needs of your ants and with precision in terms of wet surface: 0%, 12.5% ​​(Crematogaster), 25%, 37.5% (Ideal Messor barbarus), 50% (Ideal Messor minor, Lasius niger and most species), 62.5%, 75%, 87.5% (Ideal Myrmica rubra, Lasius flavus), 100% (Ideal Solenopsis fugax, Ponera coarctata).

8 transparent tanks are offered with your Quadricity as well as feet to keep it properly raised above the tanks.

 

A healthy environment that respects the needs of ants.

The chambers are the result of a lengthy process of cutting food-grade, durable Plexiglas using robotic machines. Numerous and organically styled, they closely resemble natural ant nests, facilitating ant movement and optimizing space by eliminating the need for humidifying foam.

The total living space is equivalent to more than two Minora ant colonies. Thus, the maximum population of a Quadricity is estimated at more than 3000 Lasius workers, or more than 1000 Messor workers.

Next, our patented mineral humidifier is bolted under the anthill, allowing the ants to live in contact with the moist mineral material for optimal bacteriological balance and suitable humidity conditions.

Intelligent linking system.

In addition to the central partitioned crossroads, the Quadricity is equipped with our connection system on each housing section. This allows you to easily bolt an additional module, an observation area, a rearing tube, or any accessory compatible with 9mm tubing onto the perimeter of your ant farm. The partition located directly behind the connection can be positioned open or closed without disconnecting the attached accessory.

Unlimited modularity: For a growing city.

Ant keeping is fascinating because it evolves over time: the colony grows, becomes more active, and offers new observations. Fourmiculture designed the Quadricity as an evolving concept, thanks to Habitat and Feeding Modules that attach around the central ant farm to adapt to the colony's needs.

Attach four Small Modules around the Quadricity Model 2 ant farm, and you get a complete belt-shaped extension that perfectly matches the style of your original artificial ant farm. And if you want to go even further, thanks to our bolt-on attachment system, you can add a second belt of four Large Modules for a giant Quadricity and develop a fascinating megalopolis!

The possibilities are limitless from the very first belt of Small Modules:

– Add 4 “Food” modules (1 for each colony, or to maximize space in your main colony),

– Add 1 “Food” module and 3 “Housing” modules if you are raising a single colony and wish to prioritize chambers,

– Raise a fifth colony in a small “Housing” module and a large “Food” module, independently of the Quadricity in the center,

- Etc.

With a second belt (Large Modules) to go further:

Extensions are not mandatory, however, as ants regulate egg-laying according to available space, temperature, and food.

"Housing" module:

Are your ants thriving? This module bolts onto the Quadricity and allows them to continue their development. It features the same patented connection and humidification system as the Quadricity, offering more space and larger chambers (ideal for large colonies of small to large species).

This is a true miniature artificial ant farm that can also be used independently. It incorporates all the advanced technology Fourmiculture : two selectable humidification zones, chambers with adjustable height, a partition system for connecting the chambers, and more

More information on the Small Housing Module and the Large Housing Module .

Power Supply Module: 

This module bolts onto the Quadricity Model 2 ant farm and provides an outdoor environment for the ants to explore more freely. Designed as a panoramic terrarium made of thermoformed Plexiglas®, it allows for easy feeding and ensures captivating observations, especially when they descend a transparent "staircase" designed to help them easily move from the top of the module to the floor of the Feeding Area.

More information on the Small Power Supply Module and the Large Power Supply Module .

Here's the video:

Once they reach the ground, the ants can explore a handcrafted, plant-filled environment, each one different to welcome them. The high walls can prevent the ants from climbing out, thanks to a possible dusting of talc. We've also included a transparent lid for complete safety. Its laser-cut micro-mesh vents allow for air circulation, giving the ants a feeling of being outdoors.

 

The perfect duo for your Quadricity Model 2 ant farm:

For a perfect setup, we recommend adding an external Feeding Area to your Quadricity (one per colony) and suggest you choose between our Feeding Module or an Observation Area.

 

The Observation Area is a more advanced concept. It's a spacious feeding area that can be placed next to, or even in another room using a long tube. Practical for observation, ideal for feeding and cleaning your colony because it's fully accessible, its frame with a lifetime-guaranteed non-stick coating prevents worker ants from escaping, eliminating the need for maintenance and the need for a lid. An interchangeable, handcrafted artist's decoration is made from natural materials.

More information on Observation Areas.

 

A controlled temperature.

After humidification, we focused on temperature, the second essential point for the well-being of the ants and the success of your breeding.

The Quadricity has 4 slots to embed the probes of our electronic thermometers as close as possible to where they live for an accurate measurement.

Caution: We recommend sealing these holes with plugs when using with wood-boring ants (Camponotus, etc.) due to the thin gap between the chambers and the thermometer hole in the 2020 version (possible escape). The 2021 version has already corrected this issue. Once stocks are depleted and the correction is finalized, this message will be removed.

We have therefore designed a control station: the Climatic station, with 4 integrated thermometer slots.

More information about the Climatic Station

 

It has four slots for electronic thermometers whose wires can be concealed under the Quadricity unit, then discreetly emerge in the bedrooms and fit into the designated holes. All that's needed is a small label on the wires to mark each probe with "A," "B," "C," or "D." The corresponding temperature will then be displayed on the Climatic station's screen!

The Fourmiculture heat lamp will then be the preferred way to provide the best temperature conditions for your ants, thanks to its ceramic bulb which heats without emitting light and can last for nearly 10 years. Simply adjust the distance from the chambers to find the optimal temperature of 27°C.

An anti-stress Hyperfilter for your ants:

Ants thrive in ambient light. However, in bright light conditions or during your workday, you can choose to place your ants in darker conditions thanks to an innovative optical filter.

Made of fluorescent Plexiglas®, the Hyperfilter absorbs light and transmits some of it through fluorescence along its edge. The remaining light that passes through the filter is barely visible to ants, which cannot distinguish red and therefore feel protected. It can be applied to the Quadricity or its Habitat modules.

Hyperfilter is a futuristic creation that will perfectly complement your Anthill.
More information about Hyperfilter

Adaptable rooms compatible with all species*

The chamber dimensions have been designed to suit almost all species. However, it is possible to vary the height of the chambers by removing or adding a level to best meet the needs of the species being kept.

The Quadricity Model 2 ant farm is supplied with two levels with a total height of 8mm which will be suitable for Lasius, Messor minor and young colonies of Messor barbarus.

For the largest species (Camponotus ligniperdus, large colonies of Messor barbarus), it is possible to add an extra stage and reach a chamber height of 10 to 13mm depending on the stages used.

If you are raising different sized species in the same Quadricity, we advise you to keep the 2 levels provided for a better compromise of height.

* Very small species such as Pheidole pallidula require certain parts of the ant nest to be joined together. Conversely, raising species longer than 16mm is not recommended.

 

The Quadricity Model 2 Ant Farm is Eco-designed and Repairable.

Your Quadricity Model 2 Ant Farm is eco-designed to last longer than any other thanks to quality materials, machined according to the rules of the art.

Made with 41% more bioplastic thanks to a completely redesigned and innovative construction, no parts are glued. The entire ant farm is simply bolted together for easy cleaning with water, replacement of parts, or future upgrades.

Its satin Plexiglas core is virtually indestructible and the glass is replaceable, while the mineral humidifier containing the floor of the rooms is designed as a consumable: easy to unscrew and replace, it allows you to find rooms as clean as the first day and an almost new anthill for a fraction of its purchase price.

The Quadricity is manufactured in our workshop located in the Alps. It contains no parts or even raw materials of non-European origin.

An eco-friendly gesture that earns €20:

Because a high-quality product will always have value, we're offering you €20 if you return your ant farm after use. It will be repaired and improved, then sold second-hand, donated, or reused to conserve the resources needed to manufacture it.
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Try it free for 30 days! You have the option to return your Quadricity at our expense after 30 days of testing in real-world conditions for a refund if you're not convinced by its quality (see conditions)!
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A question about the Quadricity Artificial Ant Farm?

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Dimensions:

• Fits in a 23cm square, allowing it to house several thousand workers depending on the species. Height: 6.5cm
• Chamber height: 8mm standard, 4mm when removing a floor, 12mm when adding a floor.

Materials:

• Laser-cut transparent Plexiglas® window, clearer than glass and guaranteed against yellowing for 30 years
• Galleries in satin-finish Plexiglas® 6H07 DC,
• Humidifier made of composite mineral material and plant-based polymer
  

2-year warranty against manufacturing defects or flaws.

 

Testimony :