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 15-45 C, with optimum growth occurring between 25-38 C. Isolated infrequently from the skin of humans, and has not been consistently seen elsewhere. It causes numerous animal diseases (rats, birds, cattle), and can cause infections of human indwelling and invasive medical devices.