Differential staining (G and C) of southern South American Akodon are presented. A. olivaceus, A. longipilis and A. sanborni all have the same karyotype (2n = 52, NF = 58). A virtually identical band sequence is observed. This situation is interpreted using the canalization model of chromosomal evolution which stresses an optimum karyotype for each adaptive zone. Despite the high degree of conservation of the chromosome structures, the specific status of these species is supported by maintenance of distinctness when they occur in areas of sympatry.