The common name lousewort, applied to several species, derives from an old belief that these plants, when ingested, were responsible for lice infestations in livestock.

[4] Over 600 species are accepted, mostly from the wetter northern temperate zones, as well as from South America.

The highest diversity is in eastern Asia, with 352 species accepted in China alone.

Bombus polaris has an essential role in the pollination of the large zygomorphic flowers of Pedicularis.

[8] B. polaris has a special adaption that allows it to work the spikes of Pedicularis from the bottom towards the top.