Diagram for construction of a laboratory ant nest
This laboratory nest colony structure is constructed principally from PVC pipe (the soil column) and plexiglass (the foraging arena).  I used this structure to maintain laboratory colonies of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex salinus (Myrmicinae) and test their ability to dig through various soil types (particle sizes and combinations).  The structures worked well and were reused many times.  I had little problem with escape as the Pogonomyrmex do not climb plexiglass.  Application to other species might require careful construction especially for the plexiglass arena.
KEY

A - Plexiglass foraging arena (75 x 75 x 50 cm)
B - hinged side panel for access (may be modified for ventilation)
C - Base of side panel hinge (10 x 75 cm), may be perforated to permit access of foraging tubes (I used tygon tubing)
D - The earthen mound constructed by my Pogonomyrmex colonies for excavation of the soil column below
E - PVC couplers for joining pipe sections of the column.
F - One of the PVC pipe sections forming the soil column.  I used pieces 25 cm in length.
G - Pipe has been split (jig saw) before packing with soil to permit spreading of the pipe in soil removal.
H - soil or treatment fill applied to a column section.
I - 75 x 75 cm platform made of 3/4 inch (or stronger) plywood.
J - Base 25-cm PVC pipe section.  First 15 cm of the section poured with concrete.  the upper 10 cm of the section left open for installation of a drain pipe and a porous matrix (aquarium gravel) to permit drainage of water if this is necessary.  Note: ants can escape through this route!
K - Attachment of the column to the plywood base is by 2 foundation bolts which were imbeded in the concrete of the bottom section when poured.
 
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updated:  6 October 2000