The genus Paracloeodes (Insecta : Ephemeroptera : Baetidae) is newly reported from South America. Because of the discovery of species with hindwings and other characteristics not previously associated with Paracloeodes, a redescription of the genus is provided. Cladistic data suggest a South American center of origin for this Panamerican genus. Paracloeodes binodulus, n. sp., is described from larvae from northern Brazil, and is distinguished by the lack of hindwingpads and presence of small mesonotal tubercles. Paracloeodes eurybranchus n. sp., is described from larvae and female adults from north-central Argentina and southeastern Brazil; it is distinguished as larvae by the relatively large size, hindwingpads, and medially broad gills. Paracloeodes ibicui, n. sp., is described from a mature larva collected from Paraguay, and is distinguished by hindwingpads and abdominal coloration. Paracloeodes leptobranchus, n. sp., is described from larvae from Paraguay and southeastern Brazil, and is distinguished by relatively large size, hindwingpads, and slender gills.