This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and less frequently as irregular, grape-like clusters or short chains. 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 25-45 C, with optimum growth occurring between 30-40 C. Isolated most frequently from the skin of poultry. Has been associated with a disease of silkworms but not humans.