The species richness, diversity and distribution of Passalidae were studied in the Caribbean region of Colombia, which can be divided into three subregions. The regional passalid fauna consists of two tribes, five genera and 17 species. The subregions Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Serrania del Perija have the most species (73%). Species vary with elevation, with endemic species at higher elevations. The Caribbean lowlands have a uniform, low diversity passalid fauna. Intermediate heights of nearby mountains (1000-1600 m) have richer and more abundant passalid faunas, containing elements more related to the passalid fauna of northern South America. In coastal Colombia, the composition of the Caribbean passalid fauna reflects a convergence pattern of biota from Central and South America, with the predominance of South American elements. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta has the richest passalid fauna in the Caribbean.