The status of the 15 species of Asterolecaniidae previously described or recorded from South Africa is reviewed, and the adult female and immature stages of a new species, Asterolecanium endroedyi, are described. Several species are transferred to other genera, representing new combinations, i.e. Asterodiaspis borboniae (Brain), A. brevispinum (Brain), Russellaspis brachylenae (Brain), R. conspicuum (Brain), R. euryopis (Fuller), R. euphorbiae (Russell) and R. proteae (Giliomee & Munting). Lectotypes have been designated for A. brevispinum, Planchonia stentae (Brain), R. brachylenae, R. conspicuum, and R. euryopis. Keys to the adult females of the genera and species of Asterolecaniidae known from South Africa based on the adult female are provided.