This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and less frequently as irregular, grape-like clusters. Cells are catalase positive and exhibit facultatively anaerobic metabolism. Able to use glucose oxidatively and fermentatively. Salt tolerant in media with NaCl concentrations up to 10%. Growth occurs at temperatures between 20-45 C, with optimum growth occurring between 30-40 C. Isolated most frequently from the external auditory meatus of the ears of humans and primates. It is infrequently isolated from nosocomial infections.