Viruses of the family Iridoviridae are known to cause mass mortality in populations of ecologically and economically important vertebrates and invertebrates, although their methods of transmission are not well understood. Terrestrial isopod species such as Armadillidium vulgare, Porcellio scaber, and Porcellio laevis are ideal for studying iridoviruses because they turn bright purple or blue when infected. Studying these isopods’ social interactions can give insights into the mechanisms that may propagate viral infection, including kinship selection, cannibalism, interspecific associations, and maternal care. Our findings also serve as a model system to explore other examples of viral transmission among and between species, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza strains. Viral jumps from one isopod host species to another can also inform measures that may be taken to contain worldwide pandemics, especially as iridoviruses have been implicated in deadly illnesses of fish, frogs, and turtles. Our results demonstrate all species studied strongly prefer (p<0.01) to be buried in the substrate as opposed to being on the substrate surface, although the species’ preferences vary between the underside of a paper egg carton or within the substrate. Statistical analysis finds no significant difference between the proportions of A. vulgare and P. scaber in the various locations of their habitats, strongly indicating their populations frequently interact and therefore frequently create the opportunity for a viral host jump.