The new riodinid genus Dachetola, tribe Riodinini, is described and illustrated from Central and South America. Four species are recognized: azora Godart, [1824], and virido Lathy, 1958, are transferred from Chalodeta Stichel to Dachetola (comb. novs.), and caligata Stichel, 1911, and pione Bates, 1868, are transferred from Calospila Geyer to Dachetola (comb. novs.). Dachetola is hypothesized to be most closely related to Metacharis Butler.