[1] In 2006 a specimen was reported, discovered by Pan Lijun at Xiaioyugou near the town of Lianhe, and referred to Longirostravis.

[2] In 2009 this specimen was named and described as the type species Rapaxavis pani by Eric M. Morschhauser, David Varricchio, Gao Chunling, Liu Jinyuan, Wang Xuri, Cheng Xiadong and Meng Qingjin.

[1] The holotype, DMNH D2522, was found in a layer of the Jiufotang Formation dating from the early Albian.

[1] Later it was prepared but in an unprofessional way, damaging the skeleton, especially the skull where the entire right jugal bone was removed.

Subsequently, it was sent to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County where a further preparation took place, which managed to repair some of the damage.