Difference Between Llamas and Alpacas
Llamas are larger (up to 400 lbs, 6 ft tall) with long banana-shaped ears and are used as guard animals and pack animals. Alpacas are smaller (up to 150 lbs, 3 ft tall) with short spear-shaped ears and are raised primarily for their soft, luxurious fleece. Llamas have coarser hair; alpacas have finer, more valuable fiber.
Key Takeaways
- Size is the most obvious difference.
- Llamas and alpacas can interbreed, producing offspring called huarizos.
- Both are South American camelids, related to camels but without humps.
Explanation
Size is the most obvious difference. Llamas stand 5.5-6 feet tall at the head and weigh 250-400 pounds. Alpacas stand about 3 feet at the shoulder and weigh 100-150 pounds. Llamas have longer faces and larger, curved (banana-shaped) ears. Alpacas have shorter, blunter faces and straight, pointed (spear-shaped) ears.
Their purposes differ significantly. Llamas have been used for thousands of years as pack animals, capable of carrying 50-75 pounds over mountain terrain. They are also used as guard animals for sheep and alpaca herds. Alpacas are bred for their fleece, which is softer and more uniform than llama fiber.
Temperament also varies. Alpacas are generally shy, gentle, and prefer being in herds. Llamas are more independent and confident, which makes them effective guardians. Both can spit when annoyed, but this is more common when they are poorly socialized or feel threatened.
Things to Know
- Llamas and alpacas can interbreed, producing offspring called huarizos.
- Both are South American camelids, related to camels but without humps.
- Both llamas and alpacas rarely spit at humans unless mistreated; they mostly spit at each other.