The adults, especially the males, appear tan because of the color of their wings. Adults and large nymphs of the wood roach can be recognized by a pale, creamy white or transparent stripe on their outer edge. They prefer decaying organic matter. The Woods roaches are attracted to light , much different than the other roaches.
Females deposit their egg capsules outdoors under old logs, stumps and firewood.
Females produce about 30 capsules containing up to 32 eggs each. There is one generation per year and, in some cases, the life cycle takes two years. At dusk, males may begin taking short flights and are often seen in the headlights of the automobiles by persons driving through wooded areas. Woods cockroaches are active during the winter and can be found in firewood after pulling the bark away. These cockroaches are usually found in groups.