Coprophanaeus lancifer beetles have been found in forests in northeastern Brazil according to a recent historical biogeographical study.

Such a finding is especially prevalent considering Coprophanaeus beetles have been under severe threat due to habitat fragmentation and agricultural urbanization/expansion in the greater Atlantic forest region.

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

[9] These beetles are able to create deep lesions and other artifacts on a carcass that may cause confusion on the reason for the animal's death.

[10] Like other horned beetles, once C. lancifer finds a carcass, they build a burrow nearby and look for a sexual partner.

Using a physiological model of crepuscular horned beetle vision, researchers have found variation in visual signal coloration as a relatively accurate predictor of sensory drive hypotheses.

C. lancifer beetles have adjusted visual systems that allow them to see optimally at short distances (half a meter)[12] during dusk.

Rapid detection by visual cues that are optimized to respond to dusk light is most likely critical for pair formation between two beetles.