Within the family Iflaviridae, the DcPV genome is most closely related to Venturia canescens picorna-like virus and Nasonia vitripennis virus-1.

After hatching, the level of the virus genome increases throughout the larval stages, where active viral replication is thought to occur.

The virus particles are located within large vesicles in cells lining the female wasp's oviduct, where they are sometimes observed to form crystalline arrays.

[2][4] The exact cause of this dramatic alteration in the beetle's behaviour is unknown, however there is an observation of neuropathy in the ladybug owing to the neurotropic nature of the virus.

At the time it occurs the parasite and host are no longer in direct contact, as the wasp pupates externally to the lady beetle.