Little is known about the habitat requirements of this species. It is likely that it inhabits mature tropical forest with the majority of records made from higher elevation mossy forest. An individual recorded on Bougainville was taken from its hollow tree roost. However, Bowen-Jones et al. (1997), Parnaby (2002) and Pikacha (2008) record observations, or traditional knowledge, of small groups hanging beneath the branches of large fig trees or amongst lianas. Hence, Pteralopex anceps does not appear to be an obligate hollow-roosting species. Helgen (2005) suggests the strongly developed incisors and anteriorly expanded brain case may mean this species practices tree gouging for exudate feeding. This feeding habit was suggested by informants on Choiseul (Parnaby 2002).

This little-known bat has been recorded from Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) and Choiseul (Solomon Islands) (Bowen-Jones 1997, Parnaby 2002, Helgen 2005, Pikacha 2008). Its overall range is recorded as sea level to 1,900 m; most of these animals are found in the upland areas. The species might also occur on Santa Isabel, but this requires confirmation (Helgen 2005). Extensive surveys carried out within ultramafic forest at 400 m asl on southern Santa Isabel in 2014, 800 m asl on northern Choiseul, and 300 m asl. on southern Bougainville in 2016 failed to detect the species.

This species does not occur within any legislatively protected areas. There is an urgent need to protect any remaining populations of this rare species.