Аннотация:Age, individual and geographical variability of bacula in 109 cricetines belonging to 9 species from 6 genera were studied. Thirteen phenes divided into 4 groups were distinguished according to peculiarities of the bacula structure. Phenograms of all baculas including those in 3 species (Oryzomys macconnelli, O. yunganus and Oecomys trinitatis), presented by one specimen, were prepared. Phenocomplexes of baculas in Oligoryzomys microtis, Oryzomys capito and Holochilus brasiliensis of various age and those of Neacomys sp., N. spinosus and Nectomys squamipes were distinguished by the maximum frequency of displaying phenes, According to the literature data phenograms of baculas in five species of the nine studied ones were made. A comparative analysis of the obtained material has revealed a significant individual and age variation of phenes. Geographical variation in O. microtis and H. brasiliensis was not found. The latter should be taken into account in using peculiarities of the bacula structure in taxonomy of South America cricetines. In many cases the form, size and proportions of this bone may be considered as an additional characteristic in species diagnostics.