The brownbanded cockroach gets its name from the brown bands that run along the wings of the adult and the body of the nymphs. They are pale brown to glossy dark brown in color. Females have shorter wings and are darker in color than the males. The male's wings cover the abdomen, whereas, the female's wings expose the abdomen. The male is more slender than the female and the nymph when viewed from above.
Immature stages are smaller, have underdeveloped wings and resemble adults.
The ootheca or egg capsule is small, light brown and crescent-shaped. They are a gregarious species, and are more likely to be found in homes, hotels and apartments than in restaurants and commercial buildings. They develop and live throughout the structure, making control difficult. These insects feed on starchy materials as well as nonfood materials, such as nylon stockings. They tend to be more active at night and try to avoid light.