The Perfect Antkeeper's Pack

Description

This pack, created by Fourmiculture, allows you to obtain in a single purchase the equipment, food and a colony of a well-chosen species: Messor barbarus, or as an option, Messor minor, selected to be the easiest to raise, active even in winter without hibernation, and capable of living in almost total autonomy in its Artificial Ant Farm because it feeds on seeds which it stores for several weeks.

Conceived by a specialist.

Although the breeding process is very simple, it is all the more fascinating: The presence of a queen and the choice of quality equipment allows you to enjoy rich and exciting observations over the long term through the crystal-clear Plexiglas® window.

For example: the care given to the larvae, the management of food, the behavior of the queen, the reactions of the workers to the environment, etc. Everything is put in place to facilitate the development of the colony over the years, and therefore multiply the observations to be made.

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The Fourmiculture Charter for our Ants:

1. Approved breeding facility of the Veterinary Services, run by a specialist with a certificate of competence,

2. A free Guide to the Perfect Ant Keeper and a health record form are provided

3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,

4. Health demonstrated by the queen's egg-laying and the presence of brood at the time of shipment

5. No "boost" (adding brood or external worker bees to sell colonies faster),

6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (if delivered within 48 hours),

7. Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging

8. Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,

9. Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).

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End-to-end tracking:

To successfully "cultivate" without prior experience, to learn about ant behavior and their way of life, you will receive the Perfect Ant Keeper's Guide as well as instructions for using the equipment.

Free and unlimited technical support will always be available to advise you, particularly via email at contact@fourmis-boutique.fr

PACKAGE CONTENTS

1. The Quadricity Artificial Ant Farm (color of your choice upon request!):

Your "Culture" will develop wonderfully in the Quadricity 3rd Generation artificial ant farm, carefully designed and manufactured by Fourmiculture to respect the natural needs of ants and recreate a balance similar to that which they find in nature, without the problems of mold and parasites.

This model is the most advanced ever created and consists of 4 "chamber" parts to enlarge the space available to the ants or to raise several species, and features our patented capillary humidification system with autonomy of more than a month to provide perfect conditions.

2. The Messor minor ant colony:

With 1 queen, eggs and usually between ten and twenty workers, the colony will be available for your observations upon receipt.

We cared for them for several months in our veterinary-approved breeding facility, from the birth of the first workers until the day of shipment.
Now it's up to you to take over with this beautiful black and burgundy species, active year-round without hibernation!

The ants are transported in a specially designed tube, ready to be connected to the nest for relocation. We guarantee safe transport for the ants and delivery in good condition.

3. Ceramic heating bulb
For optimal development and sustained activity, a temperature of 27°C is recommended during the day.

4. Electronic thermometer
For accurate temperature measurement.

A 50w ceramic bulb that heats up without lighting up is included in the pack and fits any flexible lamp with an E27 base that supports this wattage.

Simply move the lamp closer to the anthill until you reach the desired temperature, following the instructions, for just over one euro of electricity per month.

The bulb eliminates condensation and preserves observations. It provides the warmth the ants need, without shining light on them to avoid stressing them.

Still haven't found the perfect lamp? You'll find a suitable model in store or online (50w E27).

As a replacement upon request: 5w heating mat to place on a corner of the anthill: simple and economical.

5. Myrmecology magnifying glass

To see every detail of your colony and immerse yourself in their world, including worker communication, egg development, and more. Very powerful magnification! Hold it almost against your eye, like a jeweler's.

6. Food:

The ants will primarily feed on Messor seeds, and you'll find a packet in your pack, enough for several months. Your ants will also be interested in some solid foods such as meat, insects, ant pellets, etc. However, their staple food should remain seeds.

This makes Messor a particularly easy species to feed.

7. The Perfect Antkeeper's Guide.

With its ten or so pages, it is at once a breeding guide, a booklet on the lifestyle of ants and an FAQ to answer your questions such as "How does the colony evolve in the long term? What is the brood? What can I observe in particular? What is the division of labor?" Etc.

8. 3-month Success Guarantee on ants:

Delivery of healthy ants is guaranteed by carrier within 48 hours.

Furthermore, our expert equipment ensures very easy success and everything is done to help you succeed in your "culture", for the respect of the ants and your pleasure.

Thus, a 3-month Success Guarantee is simply offered in the Perfect Antkeeper Pack!

This insurance allows you, in the event of loss of the colony up to 3 months after delivery, regardless of the reason, to receive a new colony free of charge upon your request.

Shipping offered to mainland France only.

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Try the Pack for free for 30 days! You have the option to return your pack at our expense after 30 days of testing in real-world conditions for a refund if you are not convinced by its quality (see terms and conditions)
!

Discount specifically applied to the Perfect Antkeeper Pack:

€195 instead of €256 (separate purchase of products) i.e. €55.90 saving.

Available Accessories and Options:

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. Therefore, Fourmiculture designed the Quadricity as an evolving concept thanks to Habitat and Feeding Modules that attach around the central Anthill to adapt to the colony's needs.

Attach 4 Small Modules around the Quadricity Model 2 ant farm to create a complete, belt-like extension that perfectly complements 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 4 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 “Habitation” 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

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

 

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.

 

5. Climatic Station.

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

The Quadricity has 4 slots for embedding the probes of our electronic thermometers as close as possible to where they live for accurate measurement. We then designed a control station: the Climatic station (photo on the right).

It therefore has four slots for electronic thermometers, the wires of which can be concealed under the Quadricity unit, then discreetly emerge on the bedroom side 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!

Fourmiculture Tip: One thermometer is included in your pack. The Climatic Station allows you to display it vertically for easy and convenient reading. One thermometer is sufficient to monitor one chamber area and one colony. Multiple thermometers allow you to monitor several points in the ant farm, which is particularly useful when raising multiple species simultaneously.

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.

 

6. 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.

Hyperfiltre is a futuristic creation that will dress up your Anthill perfectly.

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Eco-designed and repairable.

Your Quadricity Ant Farm is eco-designed to last longer than any other. We put our heart and soul into its design and manufacture using quality materials, machined according to the highest standards.

Made with 39% more bioplastic, no parts are glued. The entire ant farm is simply bolted together for easy cleaning with water, part replacement, or future upgrades.

Its satin-finish white Plexiglas core is virtually indestructible, and the glass is replaceable. The mineral humidifier, which forms the floor of the rooms, is designed as a consumable. Easy to unscrew and replace, it allows you to restore rooms to pristine condition and an almost brand-new ant colony for a fraction of its original cost.

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 offer you €20 if you wish to 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.

Furthermore, the packaging has been designed to leave no toxic or non-recyclable waste.

Fourmiculture 's advice: We remind you that we can also take back the ants after your experience and cover your return costs to reintegrate them into our breeding program!