A common synonym is Shelfordella tartara, which is now considered invalid. These roaches reach a length of around 3 cm (1.2 inches). The males, when mature, have wings and can also be distuingished by an orange color. Females have no wings and are pretty dark. Shelfordella tartara is often kept as a feeder for bigger intervebrates or lizards. They cannot climb smooth surfaces and don't burrow, which makes them popular.