Color dimorphism

The females of the Lampropholis delicata species have a distinct color dimorphism.[6] As of now, two morphs are known: a prominent white stripe and a dull white stripe along the lateral to midsection of the body.[6] The continuation of each morph is often linked to its fitness advantage in crypsis but varies for each sex and temperature exposure.[6] The presence of the stripe can confer a fitness advantage in 

females but in males the coloration may cause exposure to predation therefore the less distinct striped morph occurs more frequently in the males of the species.[6] However the ultimate cause of this color dimorphism in not entirely conclusive for each sex but may be attributed geographical distribution, natural barriers, habitat preference, and sexual selection.

Since the Lampropholis delicata species is not native to the area in which they are found, it is possible that the resulting morphs are caused by the exposure to a new environment and climate as this particular species' activity level is temperature dependent.[6] The most active males are found in lower temperature microhabitats and display a higher amount of individuals with indistinct stripes.[6] This could be a result of anti-predation tactics.[6] Females of this species do not display the same activity level as their male counterparts so the amount of females with the less distinct morphs remain lower.[6] Sexual selection also plays a role on the continuation of this dimorphism because females seem to choose the males with higher fitness traits, in this case they favor the highly active less distinct striped males.[6]

Aside from the variation in climate, Eastern Australia also provides different ground cover substrates as potential habitats. The species prefers an open substrate environment because the ground cover and loose leaf litter allows for thermoregulation, protection and optimal foraging conditions.[7] Females and males remain sheltered in the leaf litter and their cryptic coloration adds an additional camouflage element but it is inconclusive as to whether the habitat distribution directly caused the color dimorphism.[8]

Environmental factors greatly influence the change within the Lampropholis delicata species and continue to preserve each distinct variation. These polymorphisms have the potential to greatly affect survival in each niche, especially because the Lampropholis delicata is an invasive species, creating more need for adaptations.[9]