Genetics of Bacillus sphaericus

Since it was first described by Neide in 1904, Bacillus sphaericus has been the subject of a number of studies to refine the taxonomy of this species. However, for the most part the species still remains an enigma. Early taxonomic investigations placed considerable emphasis on spore morphology and position within the sporangium and on nutritional properties of the vegetative cells. However, because isolates assigned to this species are generally unreactive toward the substrates routinely used in taxonomic studies of Bacillus (Gordon, Haynes, and Pana 1973),B. sphaericus is considered somewhat of a catchall species. This conclusion has been supported by a variety of genetic and biochemical techniques.