Adult : Gray with four dark stripes on the thorax and yellowish-light brown abdomen; 5-8mm long, with female usually larger than male.

Eggs are white, cylindrical, tapering at both ends. Larvae are yellowish-brown maggots (about 11mm long). Pupae are reddish-brown and 4-7mm long.

Common insect found almost all over the world; usually on and around filth, garbage and refuse and human habitation. Has a high breeding rate and liking for almost any kind of food material; its habit of regurgitating while feeding and particles of dirt etc sticking to its body hairs makes it a very efficient carrier of disease causing organisms.