neuvojems

Neuvojems are a genus of small, translucent insects belonging to the family Gossopteridae within the order Diptera. First described in 2023 by entomologists Michael Chen and Elena Sokolova, the type species Neuvojema claripennis was collected during a biodiversity survey of the Amazonian lowland forests. The name combines the Greek root "neuro," referring to the distinctive nerve-like pattern on the wings, with the Latin suffix "-jems," a nod to the genus name's similarity to the well-known genus Gossopteris.

These insects are typically 3–4 millimetres in length and exhibit a pale green or silvery-white coloration that is highly reflective, aiding in camouflage among foliage. Males possess a unique pheromone gland located on the eighth abdominal segment, which releases a mixture of terpenes that serves as a mating cue. Neuvojems are diurnal, feeding primarily on nectar from understory flowering plants, and they act as pollinators for several orchid species.

Habitat studies indicate that Neuvojems prefer moist, shaded environments and are often found in proximity to permanent water sources. They exhibit a univoltine life cycle, with larval development occurring within the leaf litter and pupation occurring in the soil. Flight season peaks in the wet season, typically between May and September.

Research on the genus has contributed to understanding the evolutionary diversification of tropical dipterans. The team's 2024 phylogenetic analysis placed Neuvojems as a sister group to the genus Gossopterus, suggesting a relatively recent adaptive radiation. Further field studies are needed to assess the genus's distribution beyond the Amazon basin and to evaluate its ecological role within wetland ecosystems.