The three members of this subtribe have traditionally been lumped in with Stanhopeinae, but obvious morphological traits and new molecular analysis by Whitten et al. in 2000 confirmed the group reclassified by Szlachetko (1995).

These genera have smooth, unribbed, ovoid pseudobulbs with 3-4 large and thin plicate leaves.

Like Stanhopeinae the members of this group are pollinated by male euglossine bees.

The sticky viscidia of this group are adapted to attachment on the smooth surface of the scutum of the male bees.

Stanhopeinae and Coeliopsidinae are now considered closely related sister subtribes.