[5] Major characteristics used for identifying S. terebrans are the shape of the pleotelson and the arrangement of tubercles on the pereonites.

[3] Sterebrans terebrans is known for invading areas with warm climates and subtropical and tropical waters.

[2] They are primarily found in mangroves but have also made appearances in salt marshes, rotten wood, man-made structures,[2] and free-hanging aerial roots.

[6] This damage is described as ecologically catastrophic,[6] meaning there is a natural imbalance due to intensive destruction.

[9] A detritivore diet includes feeding on decomposing organic waste that provides all nutrients needed.

[9] Burrowing into the wood, usually the mangroves, creates one that is 2–3 mm long in size and is the first step for most processes in their life cycle.

[2] S. terebrans utilize their mandibles, cephalon, pleotelson, pleopods, and first two pereonites to create the burrow and evacuate unnecessary wood chips.

[12][5] Overall, the best breeding times were when the environment has high oxygen and nutrient levels, especially after rainfall, and the temperature is around 75 °F (24 °C).

[9] Females are able to carry up to eighty embryos during one fertilization term but only host up to twenty juveniles in the burrow.

[5] They are often tracked and investigated by their physical barriers during the time of the year and their life cycle and reproduction patterns.

[5] According to Baratti, et al., one piece of current research includes observing genetically different populations and the connections between spatial scale of this grouping and dispersal abilities.

[12] Owing to little to no physical barriers, the marine populations in this study demonstrated low genetic structure and high dispersal capabilities.

[9] S. terebrans experiments determined that salinity levels directly impact the reproduction and burrowing rates.

[9] The prime salinity range discovered was 4-28 parts per thousand for the best reproduction, burrowing, and growth rates.