Current challenges and preliminary morphological reassessment of the genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 in China (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae)

<p>The genus <em>Chaerilus</em> Simon, 1877 in China is preliminarily revised on a morphological basis, derived from the available literature and newly examined specimens. The robustness of several commonly applied species-level diagnostic criteria are evaluated. Ten species are provisionally recognized for China, including one new morphospecies, <em>Chaerilus herta</em> <strong>sp. n</strong>., described from 9 females, 40 males, and 2 juvenile females collected in Mêdog County. The current study only reveals and resolves several most elementary issues in the taxonomy of Chinese <em>Chaerilus</em>. Further molecular investigations are warranted until topotypes of certain species become available.</p>