A novel bacterium of the genusPasteuriawas discovered parasitizing bacterivorous nematodes of the genusBursilla, in selected bermudagrass (Cynodon) field plots in Davie, FL, USA. Soil containing this bacterium was sampled and supplied with bi-weekly inoculations of cultured species of the genusBursillain order to build and maintain a source of endospores for continuousin vivoconservation of the bacteria for further study and characterization. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities supported its congeneric ranking with other members of the genusPasteuriathat have been identified from nematodes and cladocerans. There were, however, no clear sister candidates for this organism, which supported the evidence of endospore ultrastructure and host-range studies, suggesting it belonged to a novel taxon. Because members of the genusPasteuriacannot yet be isolated, definitive type strains could not be maintained; therefore, the name ‘CandidatusPasteuria aldrichii’ is proposed for this organism.