Adult : 35-40mm long, reddish to dark brow.

Eggs (14-16) are contained in the egg-case (ootheca) which is deposited by female in a protected place. Nymphs resemble adults but are flightless. Freshly moulted nymphs are white and they moult 9-13 times before becoming adults. Adult life span is 14-15 months.

The large cockroach encountered flying into homes. Not a regular house-dweller, it prefers dark, moist and warms areas, such as drains and sewers.