Pachycondyla genus group

The Pachycondyla genus group arose from a Neotropical radiation into mostly epigeic predator niches. It is one of the most morphologically, ecologically and behaviorally diverse ponerine genus groups.

Discussion. The monophyly of the Pachycondyla genus group as defined here is somewhat uncertain. Though it is supported with a BPP of 0.99 in the phylogeny of Schmidt (2013), a thorough assessment of the phylogenetic results indicated significant uncertainty about the grouping of Simopelta and/or Thaumatomyrmex with the rest of the genus group. The group is supported by a potential synapomorphy: a U-shaped cuticular lip posterior to the metapleural gland orifice. A similar cuticular lip also occurs in Diacamma (as well as Bothroponera s.s.), however, meaning that it may be a synapomorphy for the Pachycondyla and Ponera groups together (subsequently lost in most members of the Ponera group).

Generic relationships within the group are generally very well supported, except at the base, where the relationships are unresolved. Simopelta is most often reconstructed as sister to the rest of the group, but this is not strongly supported (Schmidt, 2013). Among the remaining genera in the group, Mayaponera is strongly inferred as sister to a clade consisting of Dinoponera, Pachycondyla and Neoponera, with Dinoponera and Pachycondyla forming sister groups. Belonopelta, Simopelta and Thaumatomyrmex appear to be closely related and may form the sister group to the remaining genera (P.S. Ward, pers. comm.; Schmidt, 2013).