An example where taxonomy may be changed is that comparisons of genome sequences and biochemical tests indicated that M. xanthus and M. virescens were not distinguishable.

The cells communicate with each other, and in response to stress factors, most often starvation, begin to form fruiting bodies.

[3] The genetic programs underlying fruiting body formation in the Myxococci exhibit an unexpected level of plasticity, strongly suggesting that the genetic program underlying fruiting body formation in various Myxococci is not conserved, leading to diverse reactions in all Myxococcus species.

[3] In addition, Myxococcus prey interacts with one another by sending quorum signals using acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs).

Therefore, the predatory behavior of these Myxococcus bacteria appears to be enhanced by the presence of xenic quorum signaling molecules.

[5] This cooperation between different individual Myxococcus allows them to act as a singular organism and perform functions as such, including but not limited to homeostasis repair.

While fruiting body development occurs through the Myxococcus genus, it can take on a variety of structures, and dome-shaped mounds have been observed in some species.

In significant groupings compared to wolf packs, cells prey on other bacteria during vegetative growth.

Multiple studies have shown that under laboratory conditions Myxococcus can thrive off these prey species.

This process is regulated by quorum sensing, a type of cell-to-cell communication that allows bacteria to coordinate their behavior in response to population density.

When the concentration of A-factor reaches a certain threshold, it binds to receptors on the surface of cells and triggers a cascade of events that leads to aggregation.

[14][15] In addition to its role in aggregation and fruiting body formation, quorum sensing also regulates other aspects of Myxococcus development, such as motility, chemotaxis, and virulence.