There has been a lot of discussion lately regarding the similarities/differences in the anatomical features of these two species. After seeing both palms in habitat over the last couple of years, the identification process has become a lot less confusing to me, as I've learned to better recognize the distinct looks of each of the two species. Hopefully these photos will help others as well. First - Sabal mauritiiformis photographed in the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai in Belize. Here