[1] It is the sole genus within the monotypic family Neometanemidae and suborder Metanemina.

[2] It composes the order Natomonadida together with a closely related clade of osmotrophs known as Aphagea.

[3] Neometanema is a genus of unicellular flagellates, microscopic eukaryotes or protists that swim by using two flagella that are equally long.

Like other euglenids of the Spirocuta clade, Neometanema cells are capable of metaboly (flexible peristaltic movement), although more weakly than others.

They are distinguished by the closely related genera Heteronema and Anisonema by their skidding motility that involves both flagella.