Nepenthes villosa usually occurs at ultrahighland elevations (2300-3240 m), whereas N. edwardsiana is found between 1500 and 2700 m. Where their altitudinal distributions overlap, they are still identifiable as distinct species.

It grows at higher altitudes than any other Bornean Nepenthes species, occurring at elevations of over 3200 m. Nepenthes villosa is characterised by its highly-developed and intricate peristome, which distinguishes it from the closely related N. edwardsiana and N. macrophylla.