AntWorks

The AntWorks concept was developed by NASA back in the heyday of the US space programme. Their idea was to take a colony of ants into space so the astronauts could study the insects' behaviour in zero gravity. Why, we hear you ask? Well, we guess they had to study something as they hurtled around planet earth. Anyway, NASA's loss is our gain because the amazing jelly-like habitat they invented is now available to support ant life here on earth. Or more specifically, on your desk, bedside or kitchen table.

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About the Antworks

The AntWorks is filled with a highly nutritious non-toxic gel into which you prod four little holes to get the tunnel network started. Now get out into the garden or park and catch about 15 ants to populate the colony. Put them in the Ant Works, replace the lid... and watch. Within days the ants will burrow out an amazing pattern of channels, each clearly visible in cross-section through the walls of the container. Maintenance is minimal. Besides providing a safe ecologically-correct habitat, the gel also provides the ants' food. You simply need to open the lid for a moment once a month to aerate the interior.

In the unlikely event of you not being able to track down any ants of your own, the Ant Works comes with a form you can send off for specially bred UK ants - the ant breeders (now there's a job!) charge £4 for postage and special ant packaging.

Sturdy acrylic container measures 14 x 16.5 x 3cm
AntWorks is the perfect educational gift for anyone aged between 9 and 99
AntWorks pack comes with everything you need, except ants
Magnifying glass
Ant life expectancy approximately 6 months (worker ants conveniently carry their late brethren to the top of the gel for easy disposal)
Gel can be re-used time and again


TIPS:

There are two small air holes in the lid of the farm. If you have small ants and are worried about them escaping these can be covered with a piece of tape for a couple of weeks until your ants have settled in.

There's enough air in the frame to last an ant lifetime. However, your ants will appreciate some fresh air once a week - just take the lid off for a few minutes and then replace it.

Ant behaviour will vary seasonally. If your ants huddle or do not tunnel as much as you expected, do not forget you can always find more and start again.

AntWorks