Photorhabdus heterorhabditis subsp. aluminescens subsp. nov., Photorhabdus heterorhabditis subsp. heterorhabditis subsp. nov., Photorhabdus australis subsp. thailandensis subsp. nov., Photorhabdus australis subsp. australis subsp. nov., and Photorhabdus aegyptia sp. nov. isolated from Heterorhabditis entomopathogenic nematodes

Three Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria, BA1 T , Q614 and PB68.1 isolated from the digestive system of Heterorhabditis entomopathogenic nematodes, were biochemically molecularly characterized to clarify their taxonomic affiliations. The 16S rRNA gene sequences these strains suggest that they belong Gammaproteobacteria, family Morganellacea genus Photorhabdus . Deeper analyses using whole genome-based phylogenetic reconstructions is closely related akhursti heterorhabditis, australis. In silico genomic comparisons confirm observations: P. 15138 share 68.8 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), heterorhabditis SF41 75.4 dDDH, australis DSM 17609 76.6 dDDH. Physiological biochemical characterizations reveal three also differ all validly described species more taxa, contrary what was previously suggested. We therefore propose classify as a new within subspecies Hence, following names are proposed for strains: aegyptia sp. nov. with type strain (=DSM 111180 =CCOS 1943 =LMG 31957 ), subsp aluminescens subsp. 111144 1944 31959 ) thailandensis 111145 1942 ). These propositions automatically create (currently classified DSM17609