The species lives in isolated subpopulations within fragmented habitats, and the largest populations found were located in Northeast Algeria.

[2][3] Their preferred habitat is lotic systems, featuring fast and shallow water, sparse vegetation, and a low amount of shade.

[8] Female glittering demoiselle then select target host plants by vision, and oviposit the eggs in floating leaves.

[3][9] Some of the plants that C. exul is known to use for oviposition include Typha angustifolia, Paspalum distichum, and Potamogeton nodosus.

[11] One of the major concerns for this species is drought which affects both the water level and flow, and can contribute to the extirpation of a subpopulation.