The following show expected colony appearances and morphologies (shapes) of

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Note characteristics such as edges, color,
and whether the colonies are rough or smooth in texture.
For colony appearances of E. coli and S. aureus, scientists often describe what they
look like on agar. This is not the microscopic view (for example, as with a slide) but a
naked eye view of how the bacterial colonies look while growing on a medium. (This
is one type of culture.) If it is just plain nutrient agar (like below) and it depends on
what kind of growth medium is used, the colors should be similar to the pictures below.
(In these examples, the time after plating is different for the two samples, so be aware
that the colonies in these photos are different sizes for a reason.) We will culture our
bacteria for about 2-7 days. Characteristics are most visible if the bacteria are
examined using a stereoscopic scope.

E. coli
Shape (form): circular
Margin: entire
Elevation: raised
Size: punctiform, small
Texture (surface): smooth
Appearance: shiny
Pigmentation: nonpigmented
(colorless)
Optical property: translucent

For all bacteria, they can be described

on the basis of these traits (how the
bacteria look) when grown on a medium,
poured and allowed to harden in a petri
dish. Characteristics of bacterial colonies
become one of the type of signatures;
keep in mind there are many ways that

S. aureus
Shape (form): circular
Margin: entire
Elevation: convex
Size: moderate, large
Texture (surface): rough
Appearance: shiny
Pigmentation: tan, golden yellow
Optical property: opaque

bacteria can be identified. This is just one

of the ways that bacteria can be explored.
Here are how these particular bacteria are classified according to Bergys Manual
of Systematic Bacteriology. (Remember there are 3 Domains and 5 Kingdoms of
Life.)
E. coli
Domain:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:

Bacteria
Proteobacteria
Gammaproteobacteria
Enterobacteriales
Enterobacteriacae
Escherichia
coli

S. aureus
Domain:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:

Bacteria
Firmicutes
Bacilli
Bacillales
Staphylococcaceae
Staphylococcus
aureus

Taken from Microbiology, An Introduction, 11th edition (authors: Tortora, Funke, and
Case):
Escherichi coli is one of the most
common inhabitants of the human
intestinal tract and is probably one of
the most studied/familiar organisms
in microbiology. Its presence in water
or food is an indication of fecal
contamination. E. coli is not usually
pathogenic. However, it can be the
cause of urinary tract infections, and
certain strains produce endotoxins
that cause travelers diarrhea and
occasionally this type of bacteria can
cause very serious foodborne
disease.

Staphylococcus aureus is named for

its yellow-pigmented colonies
(aureus = golden). Members of this
species can live in the presence or
absence of oxygen and they can
adapt to either type of situation.
They grow comparatively well under
conditions of dilute salt
concentrations and low moisture,
which partially explains why they can
grow and survive in nasal secretions
and on the skins surface. The
infection of surgical wounds by S.
aureus is a common problem in
hospitals. And its ability to develop
resistance to such antibiotics as
penicillin contributes to its danger to
patients in hospital environments.