The South Asian rove beetle Rugilis ceylanensis (Kraatz) is reported for the first time from North America based on collections from two Canadian provinces and 14 U.S. states. This paederine staphylinid represents the fourth adventive Rugilus species documented in North America. It also is reported new for Hawaii. North American records are mapped, and a diagnosis, brief description, photographs of the adult, and line drawings of the male genitalia and associated terga and sterna are provided to facilitate its recognition among the Nearctic Rugilus fauna. A lectotype is designated from the syntype series for Stilicus ceylanensis Kraatz.