RESUMO: The Phanaeus splendidulus species group comprises five valid species, distributed from the eastern slopes of the Andes through the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to Northeastern Argentina. New distribution records of Phanaeus splendidulus (Fabricius, 1781) have been reported, interpreted by some authors as relictual populations of this species. In this study, we describe a new species of the Phanaeus splendidulus species group, collected in the Northeastern Atlantic Forest and in the Brejos de Altitude of Brazil. The description is based on external morphology of males and females, male genitalia and geographic distribution. We also provide photographic plates of Phanaeus nordestinus sp. nov., a distribution map of the species and a revised identification key for the Phanaeus splendidulus species group.