Who is known for defining the concept of bee space?

The concept of bee space is defined by Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth, who is often referred to as the "father of modern beekeeping." He discovered that bees naturally maintain a specific distance between their combs, which is typically around 3/8 of an inch. This space, now known as "bee space," is crucial for the bees’ comfort and allows them to move freely without clogging the passage between frames. Langstroth’s design of the movable-frame hive utilized this principle effectively, enabling beekeepers to manage their colonies with ease while minimizing disturbance to the bees. His insights into bee behavior and space requirements were revolutionary and led to more efficient hive management, which is foundational to modern beekeeping practices today.