Neohygrocybe species belong to a group known as waxcaps in English, sometimes also waxy caps in North America or waxgills in New Zealand.

In Europe, Neohygrocybe species are typical of waxcap grasslands, a declining habitat due to changing agricultural practices.

The genus was described by Czech mycologist Josef Herink in 1958.

[4] It was formerly synonymized with Hygrocybe by many authorities,[5] but recent molecular research, based on cladistic analysis of DNA sequences, indicates that Neohygrocybe is monophyletic and forms a natural group distinct from Hygrocybe sensu stricto.

[6][7] In Europe, Neohygrocybe species are typically found in agriculturally unimproved, short-sward grasslands (including pastures and lawns).