Three species of Thoracophorus Motschulsky (Staphylinidae: Osoriinae) are reported from North America north of Mexico: T. brevicristatus (Horn), T. costalis (Erichson), and T. guadalupensis Cameron. A survey of nearly 5,000 specimens from 38 institutions showed that T. costalis was the most common and widespread of the three species, representing 99% of all specimens and ranging throughout eastern North America west to central Texas and north to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Thoracophorus brevicristatus is found across the extreme southern USA from Arizona to Florida. Thoracophorus guadalupensis is found only in Florida. A key to species and range maps are provided.