Short answer
Llamas are about twice the size of alpacas, have long banana-shaped ears and a coarser double coat; alpacas are smaller, have short spear-shaped ears and were bred for fine fiber.
Size: llamas weigh 250-450 lb; alpacas 106-190 lb. Ears: llamas have long curved ears, alpacas short pointed ones. Faces: llamas have longer faces; alpacas have blunt, fluffy faces.
Purpose: llamas were bred as pack animals and are often used as livestock guardians; alpacas were bred purely for fiber. Temperament: llamas tend to be more independent and confident; alpacas are shyer and more herd-bound.
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