This species is slightly smaller than the American with a pronounced yellow margin on the pronotum, P. australasiae is found in similar conditions to that of P. americana. They also like warm, humid environments and are often found in kitchens, restaurants, bakeries and food storage areas. Ideally they prefer to be in warmer areas than P. americana but will survive in slightly cooler areas. It is also common on imported items such as bananas

Adult: 30-35mm long; colour, light brown with ivory-yellow circular band enclosing large, distinct, bilobed black spot; yellow submarginal stripe at base of forewings. life span : 4-6 months, lives in drier places like inside cupboards, storerooms.

Nymphs: The nymphs of all species are similar in appearance to the adult but smaller. Immediately after hatching or moulting the nymphs are white, but the cuticle soon darkens to the normal colour. The nymphs take nearly 1 year to develop to adulthood. Like other large cockroaches, they will readily feed on book covers and paper products. Nymphs are brightly marked with distinct splotches of yellow on the dorsal side of the thorax and abdomen.

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