HISTER, in zoology; a genus of the coleoptera order of insects. The first articulation of the antennæ is compressed and curved; the last is considerably larger than the others, and appears to be a solid knob: the head is drawn within the body; the mouth is forcepated; the elytra are shorter than the body; and the fore-legs are dentated. The body of these creatures is polished and very shining, and their form almost square; the thorax large, and highly polished: anteriorly it is made with a slope, in the cavity of which is lodged the head, the position of which is often only discovered by the projection of the maxillæ; for the head, for the most part, is so withdrawn under the thorax, that the insect looks as if it had none. The elytra are as if it were cut off towards the extremity, and do not cover the whole of the abdomen. They are extremely smooth, and only have a few striae, scarce perceptible, situated chiefly towards their outward side. Lastly, the hinder part of the abdomen, which projects beyond the elytra, is round and blunt. These insects are sometimes found in cow-dung, and often on sand. They vary prodigiously in size; but differ very little either in form or colour, they being all very dark. The larvæ, as well as the perfect insects, are frequently met with in the dung of horses, cows, &c.