Based on external structural features and those of the male and female genitalia, the aleocharine staphylinid genusLigulata, new genus, is proposed and diagnosed, along with L.hansoni, new species (type locality: Costa Rica: San Jose, Zurqui de Moravia). Specimens of L.hansoniwere collected using Malaise traps placed within a montane tropical evergreen forest. Among members of the Hoplandriini,Ligulatais most similar to the genusBessoglossaPace 1986 and share the following possible synapomorphies: ligula long with numerous setae at apex; and hypoglossal lobes long, comb-like with long, internally curved setae.