with other Gram - positive cocci, such as
Micrococcus genus, because these two genera
often cohabit the same habitats. However,
molecular taxonomy has revealed that these
genera are phylogenetically separate and distinct. The genus Staphylococcus belongs to
the Clostridium subdivision of Gram - positive
bacteria, while Micrococcus is part of the
Actinomycetales., Kocuria varians (formerly
classified as Micrococcus varians), is a
member of the Micrococcaceae family, and
is used in meat starter cultures for its nitrate
reductase ability.