Llama vs. Alpaca: 6 Differences & More

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Aly Rusciano is a Creative Writer based outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Aly’s writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre.

This article has been viewed 1,219 times.
Learn more…

Llamas and alpacas. They look the same, so they must be the same, right? Well, not exactly. Llamas and alpacas sure do look and act similarly, but they have a lot more differences than you may think. We’ve put together all the facts about llamas and alpacas so you can learn how to tell them apart. From size to personality, we’ve got it all, so keep reading!

Things You Should Know

• Llamas and alpacas are cousins from the same Camelidae family.
• Llamas are larger than alpacas, outweighing them by about 100 lb (45 kg).
• Alpacas have shorter and stubbier faces and ears than llamas.

Steps

Are llamas and alpacas the same thing?

1. Llamas and alpacas come from the same family but aren’t the same animal. There’s a reason llamas and alpacas look so similar. They’re both a part of the Camelidae family and lamoid species. This, however, doesn’t mean they’re the same animal. Llamas and alpacas have many similarities, but they also have a lot of differences.[1] X Research source
   • Think of llamas and alpacas as cousins. They’re part of the same family and distantly related.

Differences Between Llamas & Alpacas

1. 1
2. 2HairAlpacas have the best wool for fleece production. Their shaggy and somewhat matted locks are perfect for making soft fabrics, whereas the llama’s coarser hair isn’t ideal for trade.
   • A llama’s lightweight wool can be used by weavers and spinners to make thin threads and fabrics.[4] X Research source
3. 3Face & EarsLlamas have longer faces and ears than alpacas. One of the easiest ways to tell these animals apart is by their face shapes. A llama has a long snout and banana-sized ears, while an alpaca has a stubbier face with short ears.[5] X Research source
4. 4
5. 5PersonalityLlamas and alpacas are both sociable animals, but llamas tend to be more independent. These animals like to be with other animals of their species.[8] X Research source However, alpacas gravitate towards herds more easily than llamas due to their skittish nature. They’re also both gentle, intelligent, and curious animals that communicate vocally and with body language.[9] X Research source
   • Because of their independence, llamas are often used as guard animals to protect herds of alpacas, sheep, and other livestock.
   • During breeding, a male llama will make an ogling sound to attract a mate.
   • Alpacas and llamas only spit on people when they feel threatened, but they will spit on each other if they’re annoyed.[10] X Research source
6. 6PurposeIn South American, llamas and alpacas are domesticated animals bred and raised for wool production; however, llamas are generally raised to be pack animals to protect herds and pull carts. In Peru, alpacas can be bred for meat, but it’s more common for llamas to be harvested for meat and hide.[11] X Research source

Can alpacas and llamas breed?

1. Believe it or not, llamas and alpacas can breed to make a llapaca. Despite being two different animals, llamas and alpacas can interbreed and create fertile offspring. When a female llama and male alpaca breed, their offspring or cria is called a llapaca, a hybrid of the two animals.
   • Llapacas generally have smaller frames and heavier fleece.[12] X Research source

Where can you meet a llama or alpaca?

1. 1Head to your local zoo or wildlife conservatory to meet a llama or alpaca. The easiest way to see a llama or alpaca up close is to visit a zoo or wildlife conservatory. Simply go to your local zoo’s website to see if they have a llama or alpaca exhibit, or search “llama and alpacas near me” online.
2. 2Llamas and alpacas are native to South America. These fluffy, long-necked creatures come from the Andes Mountains in South America and can be found grazing along the hilly pastures.[13] X Research source While you can find them in the mountains in the wild, they also wander the streets of South America, pulling carts and helping their owners transport goods.

Expert Q&A

References

1. ↑ https://nhpbs.org/wild/camelidae.asp
2. ↑ https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/alpaca
3. ↑ https://oklahoma.agclassroom.org/resources_facts/agfacts_llamas/
4. ↑ https://oklahoma.agclassroom.org/resources_facts/agfacts_llamas/
5. ↑ https://hlaa.us/llama-alpaca-facts/
6. ↑ https://hlaa.us/llama-alpaca-facts/
7. ↑ https://zooatlanta.org/animal/huacaya-alpaca/
8. ↑ https://hlaa.us/llama-alpaca-facts/
9. ↑ https://oklahoma.agclassroom.org/resources_facts/agfacts_llamas/