This is one of the smaller cockroaches, rarely being more than 1/2 inch long. It is light brown and can be readily distinguished from the German cockroach by the presence of two lighter, transverse bands running from one side to the other across the base of the wings and abdomen in adults. These bands may be somewhat irregular or broken and are more apparent on the young and the females than on the males. Both males and females are quite active, and the adult males fly readily when disturbed.