A new kinorhynch species, Echinoderes lapitaorum sp. nov. from New Caledonia, is described, and the Bengal species Echinoderes bengalensis is redescribed. Both species should be considered part of the Echinoderes coulli species group. The new species is characterised by lateroventral tubes on segment 5, lateral accessory tubes on segment 8, sexually dimorphic laterodorsal tubes on segment 10, and numerous minute fringed glandular cell outlets type 2. The examined topotypes of E. bengalensis were no longer in a condition that allowed detailed mapping of sensory spots and glandular cell outlets type 1, but the observations confirmed that the species has lateral accessory tubes on segment 5, sublateral tubes on segment 8, sexual dimorphic laterodorsal tubes on segment 10, and a pair of large, elongate sieve plates. Glandular cell outlets type 2 are not present.