Size
Adults grow to 1/2 inch in length.

Color
The brown banded cockroach is named for two wide stripes running side to side on its thorax and abdomen. Males are usually yellowish brown in color and females are darker brown.

Habits
This roach species is found primarily indoors, where it may be as common in dry areas of the structure as it is in the kitchen or bathrooms. It has a low moisture requirement, allowing it to survive in many locations. It often hides in cracks and voids. It comes out under cover of night to search for food and water.

Diet
Brown banded cockroaches prefer starchy materials but will eat anything that possesses organic matter including book and cabinet glues.

Reproduction
Females stick their light brown egg capsules to a hidden surface such as closet corners, behind drawers, within corrugated cardboard, or behind objects on the wall. Each egg capsule contains an average of 15 eggs, and development from egg to mature adult takes about six months. Because of the manner of hiding the egg capsules on materials, this species is easily relocated to new habitats.

Other Information
Males have wings that completely cover the abdomen, while the females wings are shorter, exposing the last few segments of the abdomen. Both sexes can fly. Brown banded cockroaches are often found in apartments, motels, and long-term care facilities. Because brown banded cockroaches can survive in both moist and dry environments, they are difficult to control.