AbstractThe predatory miteNeoseiulus barkeri(Acari: Phytoseiidae) is typically used for biocontrol ofTetranychus urticaeon strawberries. However, its biological characteristics are greatly affected by temperature in hot summer days. In this study, the influence of different short‐term heat stresses on the functional response and prey consumption of unmated female ofN. barkerion three stages (egg, protonymph and adult) ofT. urticaewas evaluated. Three temperatures (38, 40 and 42°C), three short‐term heat duration (2, 4 and 6 hr), eight prey densities (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 individuals), (85 ± 5) % RH and a 16‐hr: 8‐hr (L:D) photoperiod were used during a 24‐hr period in functional response experiments. The results showed that the eggs ofN. barkericould not hatch at 42°C and the type II functional response was determined for adult females ofN. barkeriat all treatments by using the logistic regression analysis. TheN. barkerihad the highest attack rate of 1.029, 2.044 and 0.913 hr‐1for three stages ofT. urticaeat 25°C and the lowest value of 0.585, 0.973 and 0.498 hr‐1at 40°C, 6 hr. On the contrary, the handling time of the predator prolonged when the temperature increased from 25°C to 40°C and the maximum level was observed at 40°C, 6 hr (0.126, 0.153 and 0.172 hr). Our study indicated that the effects of short‐term heat stress were negative on the predation ability ofN. barkeriand heat stress should be avoided as much as possible to achieve the best predation and control effect ofN. barkeriin indoor rearing and field release.