The Antquarium goes mini, ensures public humiliation

Ah, yes, one of favorite bizarro gadgets is getting a much-deserved refresh, and rather than changing the game completely, it's simply the same fun-filled container in belt clip sized. The infamous Antquarium has now shrunk, and is apparently ready to rock on your child's belt, backpack, or headband. As expected, the gel-packed enclosure provides "everything the ants need" to survive in such hellacious conditions, and even includes an ant catcher for those who aren't keen on touching insects with their bare hands. While we can't exactly say toting an ant farm around our waist is on our list of hopeful accomplishments in life, the pictured nerd momma's boy seems pretty stoked about swiping the critters away from their homeland for personal pleasure, so if you'd like to encourage your child to follow the pathway to eternal singleness, you can snatch this up now for $12.95.

[Via TRFJ]

[Matt B @ Jan 24th 2007 3:45PM]

I cannot think of a single good use for this.

Poor ants.

[donavon.young @ Jan 24th 2007 4:06PM]

almost looks like the kids flippin you off with his antquarium

[scott @ Jan 24th 2007 4:09PM]

Anyone else think this could be a possible engine for a 'A Bug's Life' and 'Toy Story' crossover?

[Steve Ross @ Jan 24th 2007 4:29PM]

Housing ants on your crotch seems like a bad idea. But maybe it's just me.

[Christy D. @ Jan 24th 2007 4:44PM]

Kids will most likely misplace this...poor ants!

Good use of the phrase "ants in your pants" though.

[Spider Man @ Jan 24th 2007 5:17PM]

what if you put a spider inside after the ants have made a society?

will the ants form together and protect the queen?

or will the spider pwn them all?

[cc @ Jan 24th 2007 5:19PM]

I can't believe this is an Engadget posting about ants and nobody has said "I, for one, welcome our insect overlords" yet...

HAIL ANTS!

[Goebbels @ Jan 24th 2007 6:29PM]

"Just add ants! No need to add food or water; the gel will provide everything the ants need. Pre-made, ready for use, and portable. With its handy pouch and belt clip, kids can carry the Mini-Antquarium when seeking ants in the field or sharing ants with friends. An ant catcher is also enclosed. 4.75”X1.75”X1”D."

Share ants with your friends..hmmmm..wirelessly?...3 ants at a time for 3 days...then they die..dam drm.

Sounds familiar....oh yeah it's a Zant ..or Zunt... or a something like that.

[patrick @ Jan 24th 2007 9:20PM]

Help.. Item too stupid... can't think of anything to describe it... must stop thinking about it... making head hurt. Seriously I just want to be in some of these marketing and R&D meetings where people come up with these ideas. It's like "what if we made something where kids could carry around an ant colony in on the belts" "Cool Steve that's a great idea let's get to work"

[Stacyj @ Jan 24th 2007 9:23PM]

A wearable ant farm!! Lord help me, I would be overjoyed to own one of those! Just think, you could use it as a little treat for the ants in your stationary ant-farm, take a few of them out at a time sorta like taking your dog for a ride in the car. You'd look cool, your ants would get to see the town, everyone you encountered would be delighted and inspired by your sheer ubernerdy panache ... everyone wins!

[kornholio360 @ Jan 24th 2007 9:57PM]

Why does the text 'Antquarium' on the box look an aweful lot like Spiderman font...

[barnz2k @ Jan 24th 2007 10:36PM]

Why are you talking about a completely non-gadget version when the virtual ANTS LIFE STUDIO is all the rage in japan right now! (that may be an exaggeration)

http://www.amazon.co.jp/ant%E2%80%99s-life-studio/dp/B000I5Y54E
$60

[GioNYC @ Jan 25th 2007 10:01AM]

This is wack, what if the ants get loose in your house. Or under your bed. Then ur F^&^*cked.

[Joel Rossel @ Jan 25th 2007 12:16PM]

the top corner of the box says it all... "WOW"!

[Suf @ Jan 25th 2007 3:14PM]

Engadget,

I own the trademark for the Snatch Child Tote (a product to bag kidnapped children, for easy transportation) I note you have included our products name in this article in scattered form, please take down the trademarked words in question. Please substute these words instead "Grab", "Infant" & "Carry". Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. A prompt reply to this request will be much appreciated.

P. A. Tent

(Head of Petty Co)

[DM @ Jan 26th 2007 4:27AM]

Engadget,

I like gadgets and want to own the copyright to that term. Please dont use it anymore, and substitute it with something more generic such as "Thingamajig", "dingus" or "doodad"

Thank you.

[Brian G @ Jan 26th 2007 8:34AM]

Engadget,

I own the trademark for the Infant Carry Grabber (a product to carry infants around for easy transportation) I note that one of your commenters has suggested you use "Grab", "Infant" & "Carry" to replace the words "Snatch", "Child" and "Tote", we would advise against you using these words as they will infringe upon our trademarks. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. A prompt reply to this request will be much appreciated.

Gim Dumb

Chief Legal Counsel: DumbCorp

[grahamgibson @ Jan 29th 2007 3:48AM]

Now you really can have ants in your pants!