any of approximately 3,900 species of beetles (insect order Coleoptera) that are carnivorous and are usually found around carrion, fungi, or dung. Some species occur under bark in dead trees, whereas others burrow in sand or live in mammal burrows or termite nests. They are shiny black, oval, and from 0.5 to 10 mm (0.02 to 0.4 inch) long.

The hister beetle's wing covers (elytra) are short, leaving the last two abdominal segments exposed. When disturbed, these beetles lie motionless, resembling tiny black seeds.