[2][3] It is brown overall, with the tegmina having a conspicuous lateral pale stripe or margin, and the pronotum (head shield) with a sharply contrasting pale or yellow margin.

[2][4] It is very similar in appearance to the American cockroach and may be easily mistaken for it.

[3] It is very common in the southern United States and in tropical climates, and can be found in many locations throughout the world due to its travels by shipping and commerce between locations.

It appears to prefer eating plants more than its relatives do, but can feed on a wide array of organic (including decaying) matter.

This species can be found in nature in tropical parts of Australia; it has also been found along the east coast of Australia, from Cape York to the Victorian border.