The animal kingdom provides so much diversity that it’s almost impossible to keep track of all the different species in the world. Sometimes the distinction between close relatives is too hard to even notice. But different species often evolve in similar ways because of their environment.
We at Bright Side gathered 16 pairs of animals who are almost indistinguishable from each other at first sight in order to show you the differences between them.
1. Jaguar vs leopard
Despite their similarities, these big cats inhabit different continents and climate zones: leopards live in African savannas, while jaguars dwell in South American tropical forests. Jaguars are also larger and bulkier, and unlike leopards and many other cats, they’re fond of water.
2. Alligator vs crocodile
You can easily identify these 2 by the shape of their snouts: crocodiles have prominent, elongated V-shaped faces while alligators have shorter, wider U-shaped ones. Also, consider the teeth: crocodiles display their trademark toothy “grin” with every fourth tooth visible. Conversely, the alligator’s upper jaw is broader than the lower one, so its teeth aren’t visible for the most part.
3. Wasp vs hornet
Both insects are menacing, that’s for sure. Hornets are larger and boast orange and black coloring, resembling spots rather than stripes, while wasps are more brightly colored and have yellow and black rings. You’re better off avoiding both.
4. Seal vs sea lion
You’ve most likely met seals as cute plushy animals and sea lions as circus acrobats. Seals are covered with fur and have tiny front flippers which prevent them from walking, forcing them to wiggle on their bellies. Sea lions have smooth skin and vast flippers that they use to move on the ground.
5. Turtle vs tortoise
These 2 are both mobile (but very slow at that) and boast 4 legs. But the “turtle rock” is aquatic and has markings that resemble stains and circles on the water to better hide in the ponds. The “tortoise rock” is a land animal and spends most of its time on the ground — that is, as a literal rock.
6. Raven vs crow vs rook vs jackdaw
Most corvids look fairly similar (excluding jays who are like a theatre kid in a goth family). Ravens are the loftiest and most fashionable thanks to their “beard” of throat feathers. Crows and rooks are of the same size, but rooks have a distinct grey beak and fancy feather “pants” on their legs. Jackdaws are the goofiest-looking thanks to their very short beaks and a round heads with black caps.
7. Donkey vs mule
This one is tricky for a simple reason: while the donkey is its own species, a mule is a hybrid of donkey and horse. Funnily enough, it looks exactly like what you’d think these 2 animals would look like: an elegant head of a horse with ridiculously oversized donkey ears.
8. Hare vs rabbit
If you want a cuddly little pet, a rabbit is your best bet, but a hare definitely is not. Hares are larger and faster and have longer legs and ears. Rabbits are smaller, fluffier, and overall “cuter.” They even eat different food: rabbits prefer vegetables (like carrots) and soft grass while hares prefer bark and twigs. Rabbits are social animals while hares tend to be solitary. It’s no wonder rabbits are easily domesticated while hares mostly stay feral.
9. Moth vs butterfly
Moths have tent-like wings while butterflies flap their wings vertically. Moths usually rest with their wings open, while butterflies rest with their wings closed. Their antennas also differ: butterflies’ are long and thin and moths’ are short and feathery. Butterflies are strictly diurnal, while moths are mostly nocturnal.
10. Dolphin vs porpoise
The difference between dolphins and porpoises comes down to their snouts, fins, and figures. Dolphins have long “beaks,” slender bodies, and curved dorsal fins. Porpoises have more flat, sloping faces, smaller flippers, and shorter triangular dorsal fins.
11. Weasel vs stoat
These 2 animals are close relatives. Stoats are bigger and have long tails with fuzzy black tips, while weasels’ tails are short and of the same color as the rest of the body. Stoats move in a bouncing gait with an arched back which looks hilarious, and weasels keep closer to the ground. Stoats also turn white in winter.
12. Eagle vs hawk vs falcon
Eagles are gigantic, powerful birds who prefer to live in open spaces like cliffs and mountains. Hawks are a little smaller and more nimble in the air, capable of maneuvering in more closed areas. Falcons are the smallest and fastest of the 3 and differentiate the most visually: they have larger eyes and shorter beaks.
13. Mouse vs rat
The 2 most famous (or infamous) rodents can be easily distinguished by 3 things: their size, tail, and ears. Mice are diminutive, even compared to young rats; they have thin long tails covered with fur while rats’ tails are thick and hairless. Mice have ears that are bigger in proportion to their bodies and are round and floppy with a tiny, triangular face. Rats’ faces are more prominent and blunt.
14. Seagull vs albatross
Gulls often live near water, be it the sea or ponds, and are rather acrobatic while diving and fish-catching, but aren’t fans of long voyages, unlike albatrosses. Albatrosses are portly birds who live in constant flight over the sea. They even have unique nostrils that allow them to remove salt from water and food.
15. Wolverine vs honey badger
Despite living in different climate zones — the honey badger that lives in Africa and the wolverine that resides in the northern forests — both belong to the Mustelidae family. Wolverines are taller with longer legs and noticeable ears and have brown fur with yellow rings. Honey badgers keep closer to the ground and have black bodies with a white “cape” on their backs.
16. Wolf vs coyote vs jackal
These 3 are “good boys and girls” that parade all over the globe. Jackals live in Africa, Asia, and India; coyotes live in Northern America; and wolves live all over the place. Wolves are large, sturdy animals, while coyotes and jackals possess a more lean and fragile frame.
Coyotes are recognizable for the red fur on their faces and ears while jackals have a more yellow-colored coat. Additionally, jackals are noticeably less fluffy because they don’t have to endure the harshness of winter.
Funny bonus: Wolverine vs the honey badger
What kinds of animals have ever confused you? If you know more examples, share them in the comments!
Preview photo credit shutterstock.com, shutterstock.com
How to Remove Pen Ink from Leather
We have all had to deal with leaky pens and what they do to leather—put a broken ballpoint pen or Sharpie in a pants pocket or leather bag by mistake, and suddenly, a blue or black blotch appears on your leather jacket or couch. These pen marks last forever if untreated, and if you don’t know how to remove pen ink from leather, cleaning these stains can be frustrating and may result in a bigger mess.
You don’t want to cover up or throw away an expensive and good-looking piece of furniture or purse because of an ink stain, but what cleaning options do you have?
Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true methods for getting ink out of leather – some methods require specialized ink removers, and some of them need nothing more than household cleaning products. In this article, we’ve gathered some of the most effective ways to remove pen ink from leather
How to Get Ink Out of Leather
Evaluate your stain and determine the best way to treat it. How to remove an old oil stain from a leather bag is a little different than dealing with ink.
Use Hair Spray on the Stain
The magic ingredient in hair spray that works on ink stains is isopropyl alcohol, otherwise known as plain old rubbing alcohol. Over time, companies have reduced or phased out isopropyl alcohol levels in hair spray completely, so this method is not as effective as it once was.
However, if you don’t have rubbing alcohol in the home, you can use a hair spray with a relatively high alcohol content to clean your leather. Before you try to clean pen marks with hair spray, you should test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous place on the leather.
Spray the pen marks, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse the spot with cool water. Afterward, dab – don’t rub – the place with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Apply Alcohol to the Stain
Alcohol can be useful for how to remove Sharpie or other ink from leather but it can damage leather if you apply it carelessly. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is the most effective. Denatured alcohol or nail polish remover may work better, but you run a higher risk of damaging the leather.
Make sure to test the alcohol in a hidden spot before using it on the stain to ensure that you will not harm the fabric. Apply the alcohol with a cotton swab or cotton ball and rub lightly as you apply.
The ink should soak into the cotton swab. Do not allow the alcohol to sit too long after application – quickly dry the area with a hairdryer, if possible, or it might eat away at the leather.
For Non-White Leather, Try this Homemade Leather Cleaner
This home remedy is effective and safe to use on non-white leather, but always make sure to test the mix on a small area first.
Lemon Juice-Based DIY Leather Cleaner Recipe
1 part lemon juice
1 part cream of tartar
Mix the two ingredients into a paste. Then, apply the mixture to the ink spot using a microfiber cloth. Work the paste into the stain, and let it sit for a few hours if the stain remains.
Once you have cleaned the area with a damp cloth, apply a commercial or DIY leather conditioner to ensure that the leather is maintained, and you are working on a piece of leather furniture, be sure to always follow the tips for cleaning a leather couch for best results.
Homemade Cleaner for White Leather
White leather is more sensitive to caustic ingredients, so if you have an ink spot on white leather, use this cleaner. Make sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
DIY White Leather Cleaner Recipe
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the affected area, and let it sit for five minutes or so before wiping it off.
As with non-white leather, you should apply a professional or DIY leather conditioner to properly maintain the leather, and if you are cleaning leather furniture, make sure to follow the tips for cleaning a leather couch.
Use a Commercial Leather Cleaning Product
If your home remedies don’t work for removing acrylic paint from leather, commercial cleaners might be the way to go. They can cost a bit, but they are guaranteed to not damage your leather if used correctly.
As with home cleaning solutions, however, you should always test the product on a small area before trying them on the stain.
Commercial Cleaning Product Advantages
They are carefully tested and should be safe for cleaning leather.
They may work better on stubborn stains.
They usually require no mixing or measuring.
Melamine foam, also known as a Magic Eraser, is a significant first step toward stain removal. If the Magic Eraser doesn’t do the trick, try to remove pen from leather with liquid cleaners.
There are many excellent commercial leather products available, and many of them are valid on ink stains. Choose the best one for your needs, and you should always follow the included cleaning instructions.
Take It to a Dry Cleaner
If all else has failed you and you’re willing to pay to get your leather
purse or sofa back to pristine condition, you might consider a trip to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaners have a lot more tools and tricks to get Sharpie off of leather, and they have access to more powerful cleaning chemicals.
If you choose to take your leather to a dry cleaner, you should always do research and choose a reputable business. And, be sure to inform the cleaning staff of any special care instructions before entrusting them with your leather.
After you’ve cleaned out the stain, consider applying a leather protector to avoid future stains. It doesn’t require ballpoint ink to damage leather, after all—a single drop of water on unprotected leather can ruin it.
If you’re the victim of a broken ink pen and have been unfortunate enough to find yourself with a big black or blue ink stain spreading across your favorite leather item, we hope that you found this article on how to get pen ink out of leather to be helpful.
Whether you use a home cleaning solution or a professional, patience and persistence can get your leather goods clean, ink-free, and beautiful again.
Thanks very much for reading our tips on how to remove pen ink from leather. Please share these ink stain removal tips with your friends on Facebook and
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