The checkered beetle, Phyllobaenus corticinus (Gorham), previously known only from Mexico and Guatemala, is recorded as a new country record for the United States, based on specimens from Cameron County, Texas. An updated distribution is presented based on new specimens examined, including new state/department records for Mexico (Campeche, Chiapas, Tamaulipas and Veracruz) and Guatemala (Péten). The first natural history observations for the species are provided. A lectotype is designated, four paralectotypes are recognized, and the generic assignment of the species is discussed.