Invertebrate iridescent virus 6 (IIV-6) was recognised as the type 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 remaining species Invertebrate 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.

Group: dsDNA [3] Former species Invertebrate iridescent virus 1 (IIV-1) has been removed from Iridovirus.

[4] Viruses in Iridovirus are enveloped, with icosahedral and polyhedral geometries, and T=147 symmetry.