Six species of the oribatid mite genus Damaeus (sensu latu) known from the eastern United States are discussed and a diagnostic key presented. Three of these, Damaeus angustipes (Banks), D. grossmani (Wilson) (New Combination) and D. opilioides n. sp., form a closely related species group. Two other species are described as new, D. atlanticus n. sp. and D. appalachicus n. sp. Damaeits (Spatiodamaeits) verticillipes is reported from New Hampshire. Belba kingi Hartenstein is regarded as a junior subjective synonym of D. angitstipes (New Synonymy) and Hypodamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina is considered a junior subjective synonym of Damaeus Koch (New Synonymy). A new subgenus, Adamaeus, is proposed with Damaeus onustus Koch as type-species.