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If you have ever seen an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) from afar, you could confuse him with a llama (Flame of glam), or vice versa. While these animals may have similar body shapes, both have legs instead of hooves, and both are species of South American camels, llamas and alpacas are actually two very different animals with different temperaments, ear sizes, and scientific names.
Comparison of llama and alpaca
As mentioned earlier, there is a lot in common between an alpaca and a llama. They both have legs with two toes and soft pads rather than hooves, and each has a stomach with three compartments to digest a herbal diet. Both animals can spit up to 10 feet when annoyed or threatened. However, the ways they differ are different. Some of the differences between these animals include:
| Llama | Alpaca | |
|---|---|---|
| The size | More | Less |
| Habitat | Mountain deserts and meadows | High meadows of a temperate climate |
| Life span | 10-15 years in the wild; sometimes reaching 30 years of age in captivity |
10-15 years in the wild |
| Chapter | Longer faces and ears | Blunt noses and short pointed ears. |
| Temperament | Tend to be loners | Herd animals and somewhat more obedient |
| Differences unique to species | Make good beasts of burden | Have a hypoallergenic coat, use a tail to show your cat-like mood. |
5 main differences between llamas and alpacas
Head and face
The alpaca’s head is smaller and more blunt than that of the llama. Llamas have longer noses and more prominent teeth.
Llama vs Alpaca: Ears
The ears of llamas are longer and curved, and they protrude noticeably from the middle of the head. Alpacas have smaller ears, more pointed and also straighter ears.
Llama vs alpaca: wool
Both of these animals are used to make wool, but alpaca wool is generally more in demand as it is thinner and softer than llama wool. It is also hypoallergenic as it does not contain lanolin like sheep’s wool.
Llama vs alpaca: size (height and weight)
On average, llamas are about a foot taller than alpacas when measured at the shoulders. Llamas can weigh up to 400 pounds, about double that of larger alpacas.
Llama vs alpaca: temperament
Llamas prefer to keep apart rather than graze, but they make good guard animals for herds of alpacas, as they are good at protecting other animals. Of the two, llamas tend to be much more aggressive than alpacas, although when crossed, both will spit defensively.
Llamas vs Alpacas – 5 Key Differences, FAQ Explained (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is a llama the same as an alpaca?
Not. Although they are very similar, they are not the same animal. The scientific name of the llama is lama glamaand alpaca is Vicugna pacos…
What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?
Llamas are larger and more solitary. Alpacas have a better coat and love to stick together.
Are llamas or alpacas cuter?
Generally speaking, alpacas tend to have a softer disposition, but they either spit when provoked or when threatened.
Are llamas or alpacas more aggressive?
Llamas are often more aggressive because they are very protective of other animals.
Do alpacas and llamas have different legs?
Not really no. Both llamas and alpacas have two-toed feet with soft pads at the bottom, rather than cloven hooves like goats or many ungulates.
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