Pelignellus is resurrected from synonymy with Atissa and is revised. The genus and both included species—P. subnudus Sturtevant & Wheeler from the USA (California) and P. freidbergi n. sp. from Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama)—are described with an emphasis on structures of the male terminalia, which are fully illustrated. The species are keyed and their distribution data are provided. For perspective and to facilitate recognition of genera and species, the tribe Atissini is diagnosed and a key to genera is provided.