Bacillus pseudomycoides sp.
Previous DNA relatedness studies showed that strains identified as Bacillus mycoides segregated into two genetically distinct yet phenotypically similar groups, one being B. mycoides sensu stricto and the other, an unclassified taxon. In the present study, the taxonomic position of this second group was assessed by measuring DNA relatedness and determining phenotypic characteristics of an increased number of B. mycoides strains. Also determined was the second group's 16S RNA gene sequence. Phylogenetic analyses showed that both B. mycoides and the second group clustered closely with B. cereus. Although not distinguishable by physiological and morphological characteristics, the two B. mycoides groups and B. cereus were clearly separable based on fatty acid composition.