The Betairidovirinae are hosted by invertebrates, but some research indicates they may hosted by vertebrates, and that at least one invertebrate-hosted iridovirus is actually more closely related to the Alphairdovirinae. Most Betairidovirinae hosts are arthropods, especially insects and woodlice, but other arthropods and even several non-arthropod hosts are known. Some viruses are hosted by a single host species; others are generalists that can infect multiple species.
