This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and 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 20-40 C, with optimum growth occurring between 30-37 C. Isolated most frequently from skin of the human forehead, back and arms. Occasionally has been recovered from patients with endocarditis.