The taxonomic status and nomenclature of four species of Eleodes Eschscholtz are clarified. Eleodes anachronus, new species, which has been confused with Eleodes blapoides Eschscholtz, is described. Eleodes hepburni Champion, described from Mexico, is established as the valid name for a species found in both Mexico and the United States, with Eleodes compressitarsis(new synonymy), Eleodes beameri, Eleodes bryanti, and Eleodes palmerleensis, all described by Blaisdell, as synonyms. Eleodes ventricosus LeConte (new status) and Eleodes macrurus Champion (new status) are considered as subspecies of Eleodes spinipes Solier from Mexico. Eleodes ventricosa falli Blaisdell is a synonym of E. spinipes macrurus(new synonymy).Eleodes sonorae Champion is a synonym of Eleodes arcuatus Casey (new synonymy).