residential and mobility status were identified as the strongest predictors of timed up and go test performance. We recommend the timed up and go test as a screening tool to determine whether an in-depth mobility assessment and early intervention, such as prescription of a walking aid, home visit or physiotherapy, is necessary. Community-dwelling elderly women between 65 and 85 years of age should be able to perform the timed up and go test in 12 seconds or less.

Literature on bird spider or tarantula bites (Theraphosidae) is rare. This is astonishing as they are coveted pets and interaction with their keepers (feeding, cleaning the terrarium or taking them out to hold) might increase the possibility for bites. Yet, this seems to be a rare event and might be why most theraphosids are considered to be harmless, even though the urticating hairs of many American species can cause disagreeable allergic reactions. We are describing a case of a verified bite by an Indian ornamental tree spider (Poecilotheria regalis), where the patient developed severe, long lasting muscle cramps several hours after the bite. We present a comprehensive review of the literature on bites of these beautiful spiders and conclude that a delayed onset of severe muscle cramps, lasting for days, is characteristic for Poecilotheria bites. We discuss Poecilotheria species as an exception from the general assumption that theraphosid bites are harmless to humans. This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Literature on bird spider or tarantula bites (Theraphosidae) is rare. This is astonishing as they 28 are coveted pets and interaction with their keepers (feeding, cleaning the terrarium or taking 29 them out to hold) might increase the possibility for bites. Yet, this seems to be a rare event 30 M A N U S C R I P T A C C E P T E D ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPTand might be why most theraphosids are considered to be harmless, even though the urticating 31 hairs of many American species can cause disagreeable allergic reactions. We are describing a 32 case of a verified bite by an Indian ornamental tree spider (Poecilotheria regalis), where the 33 patient developed severe, long lasting muscle cramps several hours after the bite. We present 34 M A N U S C R I P T A C C E P T E D ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2 a comprehensive review of the literature on bites of these beautiful spiders and conclude that a 35 delayed onset of severe muscle cramps, lasting for days, is characteristic for Poecilotheria 36 bites. We discuss Poecilotheria species as an exception from the general assumption that 37 theraphosid bites are harmless to humans. 38 39

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