Genus Orthezia Bosc d’Antic

Orthezia is a genus of 23 species that occurs worldwide, but most of them are of Nearctic or Neotropical origin (García Morales et al. 2016). They can occur in high densities on stems and leaves; colonies are conspicuous and may be associated with sooty mould (Kawai 1980). The only widespread, polyphagous and economically important species is O. urticae, a Palaearctic species that occurs in North Africa (Kawai 1980).

Key to species of Orthezia in continental Africa, based on Kozár (2004)

1(0) Antennal segments III, IV, VII and VIII each with a fleshy sensory seta. Anterior part of ovisac band containing multilocular disc pores amongst the spines................................................................... maroccana

- Only antennal segments VII and VIII each with a fleshy sensory seta. Anterior part of ovisac band without any multilocular disc pores amongst the spines................................................................... urticae (Fig. 26)