lentekruipen

Lentekruipen, literally meaning "spring crawling," is a Dutch term used mainly in informal speech to describe two related phenomena associated with the arrival of spring. In everyday language it often denotes the seasonal mood known as spring fever or lentekriebels, a sense of restlessness, increased energy, and a desire to start outdoor activities or new projects.

In a more physical sense, lentekruipen also describes observable movement of small soil-dwelling animals as soil warms and moisture increases. After winter, organisms such as springtails (Collembola) and earthworms may migrate toward the soil surface and along vegetation, creating the impression of a crawling layer on damp ground. This behavior is driven by changes in temperature and moisture and is common in temperate climates.

The term is primarily colloquial and not a formal scientific designation; in scientific contexts, specific species and behaviors are described with standard zoological terminology. People may also use lentekruipen to describe insects entering buildings from outdoor areas as households become more exposed to spring infiltration.

Etymology: lentekruipen combines lente (spring) and kruipen (to crawl). The expression reflects both human emotional shifts and natural seasonal activity.