The alpaca (lama pacos) is a species of south American camelid mammal. It is similar to and often confused with the llama. However, alpacas are noticeably smaller than llamas. The two animals are closely related and can successfully crossbreed. Alpacas are frequently plain black or brown-black, while the llamas are all different colors, except black. Alpacas have much more of a mind of their own than llamas do therefore, it is rather difficult to shear them.