[1][2][3] The genus is almost entirely Neotropical, with a single species, C. pluto, ranging into southernmost Texas in the United States.

[4][5] They are medium-sized to large beetles, with the South American C. ensifer and C. lancifer sometimes exceeding 5 cm (2 in) in length, making these two some of the largest dung beetles in the world (together with certain Catharsius and Heliocopris) and the largest in the Americas.

[4][8] These diurnal or crepuscular beetles are excellent diggers and good fliers.

[4][9] Although part of the true dung beetle subfamily Scarabaeinae, adult and young Coprophanaeus primarily feed on carrion, but many species may also feed on feces.

They are paracoprids, meaning that adults dig tunnels into the soil under the food source and move parts of the food source to a nest chamber where the eggs are laid.