Iridovirus is a genus ofviruses in the familyIridoviridae.^[1] Arthropods serve as natural hosts. Currently, only two species are placed in this genus. Invertebrate iridescent virus 6 (IIV-6) was recognised as thetype species until such a designation was abolished. IIV-6 is hosted by mosquitos and usually causes covert (inapparent) infection that reduces fitness.^[1][2] The other speciesInvertebrate iridescent virus 31 (IIV-31) is hosted by isopods and causes patent (apparent) infection characterised by blue to bluish-purple iridescence and a shortened lifespan.

Iridovirus
Schematic drawings ofIridovirus virions
Armadillidium vulgare symptomatic ofInvertebrate iridescent virus 31 (above) among individuals with typical colouration (below)
Virus classification
(unranked):	Virus
Realm:	Varidnaviria
Kingdom:	Bamfordvirae
Phylum:	Nucleocytoviricota
Class:	Megaviricetes
Order:	Pimascovirales
Family:	Iridoviridae
Subfamily:	Betairidovirinae
Genus:	Iridovirus
Species
See text

The genus contains the following species, listed by scientific name and followed by the exemplar virus of the species:^[3]

• Iridovirus armadillidium1,Invertebrate iridescent virus 31
• Iridovirus chilo1,Invertebrate iridescent virus 6

Former species Invertebrate iridescent virus 1 (IIV-1) has been removed fromIridovirus. Its current status is a tentative member ofChloriridovirus.^[4]

Viruses inIridovirus are enveloped, with icosahedral and polyhedral geometries, and T=147 symmetry. Their diameter is around 185 nm. Genomes are linear, around 213 kb in length. The genome codes for 211 proteins.^[1][2]

Viral replication is nucleocytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral proteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. Invertebrates serve as their natural hosts.^[2]

• ICTV Online (10th) Report:Iridoviridae
• Viralzone:Iridovirus