The fourteen described South American species of Heilus (Curculionidae, Molytinae, Molytini, Hylobiina) are reviewed for the first time. Eleven species are redescribed based on specimens (almost exclusively from Brazil) examined by us: H. bistigma (Hustache, 1938), H. faldermanni (Boheman, 1836), H. fasciculatus (Boheman, 1843), H. freyreissi (Boheman, 1836), H. inaequalis (Boheman, 1836) = type species of the genus, H. iniquus (Kirsch, 1874), H. myops (Boheman, 1836), H. ochrifer (Boheman, 1843), H. pupillatus (Olivier, 1790), H. rufescens (Boheman, 1836), and H. tuberculosus (Perty, 1832). Diagnoses of one additional Brazilian species, Heilus admixtus (Hustache, 1938), and two additional South American species, H. asperulus (Erichson, 1847), and H. inornatus (Kirsch, 1874), are presented based on the literature and by examination of images of the type material. Integument texture and the variations in the patterns of maculation are the main characteristics used for species identification. Geographic distribution, descriptions of male and female genitalia are provided for eleven redescribed species, together with habitus photographs, and an identification key to the fourteen described South American species.