The Brownbanded Cockroach get their common name from the pale brown bands which run across the wings of the adult, but more appropriately, from the brown bands that run across the body of the nymph.

Adults about 1/2" (male 12-14.4 mm; female 11-12 mm) long. Color light brown to brown with females much darker than males; head brown, pronotal shield with brown liberty-bell shaped pattern formed by translucent lateral margins.