The four most common species of the chloropid genus Apallates Sabrosky found in the eastern US are characterized and photographed for the purpose of helping non-specialists determine the identity of these four ubiquitous species. They are A. coxendix (Fitch), A. dissidens (Tucker), A. neocoxendix (Sabrosky), and A. particeps (Becker). Notes are included to help in distinguishing these species from species in the very similar genera Oscinella Becker and Rhopalopterum Duda. Included is a key to these four species of Apallates as well as photos of the male genitalia and external features of diagnostic importance.