A nest at least part of which is constructed of a mound of soil or carton material that projects above the ground surface: In the mound nest, the term carton materia refers to a cardboard-like substance consisting of chewed plant material, often mixed with soil, and made by certain insects for building lodgings.

The architecture of the mound is often elaborate, specific in plan to the species, and evidently adapted to contribute to microclimate control within the dwelling place.