Paracoccus bengalensis is a later heterotypic synonym of Paracoccus versutu .

The present study aimed to examine the taxonomic relationship between two species, Paracoccus bengalensis Ghosh et al . 2006 and Paracoccus versutus (Harrison 1983) Katayama et al . 1996. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that P. bengalensis JJJ ^T was highly similar (99.9 %) to P. versutus A2 ^T . The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains formed a tight cluster within the genus Paracoccus . Whole genomic comparison between the two strains showed a digital DNA-DNA hybridization estimate of 82. 0 % and an average nucleotide identity value of 98.2 %, clearly indicating that the two strains were members of the same species. Moreover, the type strains of both species shared similar physiological and biochemical properties and fatty acids profiles. Based on genotypic and phenotypic evidence, we conclude that Paracoccus bengalensis Ghosh et al . 2006 is a later heterotypic synonym of Paracoccus versutus (Harrison 1983) Katayama et al . 1996 according to the priority of publication and validation of the name.