Adult : resembles grasshoppers, long antennae, greyish-brown/black, large, strong hind legs, nymph : grey. Adult 11-15mm long.

Eggs (40-180) laid in cracks and crevices; 7 nymphal stages.

Related to grasshoppers and locusts, though wings are carried differently - they lie flat on the back, folded around the body. Makes a shrill chirping noise by rubbing the serrated edges of the forewings together. Basically a scavenger, so will eat foodstuff lying around and also nibble at and damage material such as wool, cotton, artificial silk fabric etc.