Parvaponera cavimaculata

This little-known species was described from China.

Identification
Identification is based on the original description:



Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Nomenclature

 * . Pachycondyla cavimaculata Wang, W. & Zhao, 2009: 47, fig. 3-16 (w.) CHINA (Hubei).
 * Type-material: holotype(?) worker.
 * Type-locality: China: Hubei Prov.
 * Type-depository: unknown.
 * Combination in Parvaponera: Schmidt, C.A. & Shattuck, 2014: 200.
 * Status as species: Zhou & Ran, 2010: 107; Guénard & Dunn, 2012: 60.
 * Distribution: China.

Description
See Identification above.

Taxonomic Changes

 * Placed in Parvaponera by Schmidt & Shattuck, 2014: 200.

Taxonomic Discussion
This species was originally described in Pachycondyla, which was an appropriate placement at the time. In their generic-level revision of the subfamily Ponerinae, Schmidt & Shattuck (2014) transferred it to the newly established genus Parvaponera. They did not examine type material but based their transfer on the original description. Specifically:
 * The distribution is within the known range of other Parvaponera species.
 * The original description mentions Parvaponera darwinii, the type species of Parvaponera.
 * The figure provided with the original description matches Parvaponera species more closely than species placed in other ponerine genera.

However, until reliably identified material is studied the generic placement of this species should be treated as preliminary.