Bacteriovorax stolpii is a species of
bacterium in the family Bacteriovoracaceae. It is a predator that feeds on larger
Gram-negative bacteria. These prey bacteria tend to live in
enteric environments and have similar
lipopolysaccharide structures.
Bacteriovorax stolpii recognizes its prey by outer membrane protein
receptors, which explains why
Gram-positive bacteria that lack outer membranes do not serve as prey. They prey on bacteria by invading the interperiplasmic space where they feed, grow, and reproduce.
Bacteriovorax stolpii used to be
classified in the genus
Bdellovibrio because of similar
morphologies and lifestyle characteristics, however they were recognized as a new genus through
phylogenetic analysis.