Based on external and internal morphological characters, Apithesis obesa Waterhouse, 1881 (of the monotypical genus Apithesis Waterhouse, 1881) is redescribed and transferred from the tribe Ulomini to the tribe Opatrini where it is incorporated in Clitobius Mulsant & Rey, 1859. Preliminary review of the taxonomy and distribution of Clitobius is performed. The following names are placed in synonymy: Clitobius Mulsant & Rey, 1859 = Apithesis Waterhouse, 1881, syn. nov. = Apteroclitobius Koch, 1960, syn. nov.; Clitobius ovatus (Erichson, 1843) = Halonomus salinicola Wollaston, 1861, syn. nov.; Clitobius oblongiusculus (Fairmaire, 1875) = Clitobius ovatus borkouensis Pierre, 1961, syn. nov.; Clitobius obesus (Waterhouse, 1881), comb. nov. = Clitobius pseudalatus Koch, 1960, syn. nov. Clitobius omanicus sp. nov. is described from Oman. A key to the species of Clitobius is presented. Distributional patterns within the genus are analysed and discussed.