Adult : Torpedo-shaped, wingless with brown to dark brown body, with long antennae and three long extensions at the end of the abdomen.

Eggs (100), oval, white and smooth, later turn brown and wrinkled; adults 12mm long; life span of nymphs 90-120 days, adults up to 3 ½ years.

Usually nocturnal, this primitive insect avoids light and is found in hot but moist, places with temperatures around 37oC, such as around furnaces, insulation, hot water piping and ducts, etc. It requires a large supply of starchy foods and is known to feed extensively on rayon.