We investigated the subsequent effect of oil derivatives on life parameters of Harpalus rufipes Deg. (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in its body. We also attempted to determine the influence of the presence of H. rufipes on the total content of oil derivatives in soil. The following objects were established: control – unpolluted soil; soil polluted with petrol; soil polluted with diesel fuel and soil polluted with used engine oil. Oil derivatives were used in a dose of 6 000 mg of fuel / kg d.m. of soil. In the laboratory, survival and body mass change of H. rufipes reared in soil contaminated with petroleum products, as well as their influence on the oil content in soil, was investigated. Harpalus rufipes Deg. reveals sensitivity to the presence in its vicinity of engine oil and diesel fuel, visible as decreased survival rate, whereas petrol does not affect the beetle condition. The analysed kinds of oil derivatives did not negatively affect beetle body mass gain. Soil experiments did not reveal any dependence between the presence of the animals and the efficiency of total hydrocarbon degradation. A tendency for accumulation was observed for anthracene and benzo[a] pyrene in conditions of soil polluted with petrol, and benzo[b]fluoranthene in engine oil-polluted soil, which may indicate a significant contribution of H. rufipes in the natural biodegradation of oil derivatives.