Yeah, I agree withCamponotus on the flying matter-- She is probably just trying to shed them...
But as for leaving the nest, I can't think of anything else but maybe you're watering the formicarium too much? Maybe its causing too much moisture down there, but that is all I can think of..
Congrats! Just caught one myself! I've just figured out the picture problem :) Was having the same issue. 1) Go to the links you gave. 2) Right click on the image, and select -> "Copy image address" 3) Come back to your post, and press the image button on the forum https://i.ibb.co/9yW0K74/Screen-S...
So, how would we get this sponge? ( I assume this question is dumb, but, what kind of "Artificial Sponge" did you get? Only stuff we can find around here is dishwashing sponges XD )