This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and 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%. Its name refers to its resemblance to both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, thus making it an intermediate form. For instance, it is coagulase positive (like aureus) but not typically mannitol positive (like epidermidis). Growth occurs at temperatures between 15-45 C, with optimum growth occurring between 30-40 C. Isolated most frequently from the nasal cavity of dogs, foxes, raccoons, and other Carnivora, and from many other mammals and even some birds. It is common in cases of pyoderma and other similar infections of dogs, but is rarely associated with disease elsewhere.