POPSUGAR

Spot the Difference — Is It a Leopard, Jaguar, or Cheetah?

Oct 1 2019 - 1:21pm


Source: Flickr user macjewell [1]

A leopard by any other name would still look as sweet . . . but it wouldn't technically be a leopard. You see, even though some people call out these big cat species interchangeably, there is actually quite a difference among their spots. Take a look below at photos of each and get to know them better!

Leopards

Source: Flickr user macjewell [2]

Scientific name: Panthera pardus
These cats have a pattern that looks flower like — called rosettes — in large numbers with a slightly different color inside.

Cheetahs

Source: Flickr user tambako [4]

Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
No rosettes here, the Cheetahs have solid, evenly distributed spots.

Jaguars

Source: Flickr user tambako [5]

Scientific name: Panthera onca
Jaguars' markings also include rosetted dots but they sometimes have spots in the center as well as a darker, thicker outline. Typically, there are larger rosettes in smaller numbers on this species.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.com/pets/Spot-Differences-Between-Leopards-Jaguars-Cheetahs-3271875