The difference between llamas and alpacas

Many people can’t tell the difference between llamas and alpacas. Some don’t even know that they are two different species. The reality is quite the contrary. These two silly creatures are easy to differentiate if you know what to look for; here are just a few examples to get you started.  

Scale of llama compared to scale of alpaca.

The most obvious difference is size. A llama can weigh up to 400lbs while an alpaca usually weighs 150-200lbs. Alpacas faces are shorter and blunter, and they also have short, straight ears. On the other hand, llamas have large, long faces and have long, curved ears. A llama can grow to an outstanding six feet tall on all fours to the tops of the ears (seven feet tall with a pair of stilettos). Meanwhile, an alpaca can only reach about four and a half feet (unless it stole the llama's stilettos). 

The next difference is their fur. An alpaca has a very fluffy appearance. Its hair is very curly, and they have very monotone coats. If you're lucky enough to pet one, you’ll find that their coats are very soft. Llamas, however, have long straight hair, and the color may be inconsistent. Their hair feels coarse on the outside layer but is softer on the inner layers. 

The final difference is personalities. You may hear that llamas are more prone to spitting. Although this is true, it’s for a different reason than you think. Llamas are independent, protective animals and are often put with a herd of alpacas as a ‘guard llama’. If a predator approaches, a llama will distract the predator while the alpacas flee. Alpacas are herd mammals and are usually skittish and shy. 

Llama face compared to alpaca face.

Both llamas and alpacas have a place in their environment, and they sometimes have a communalistic relationship. This topic is important to me because llamas are my favorite animals and, although I love alpacas too, it’s upsetting to me when people erroneously think they are the same animal. I encourage others to read more about llamas and alpacas and discover how wonderful they are. 

7 Ways To Tell The Difference Between an Alpaca vs Llama (alpacadirect.com)