The venom of Vespa luctuosa has the highest recorded toxicity to mice of any wasp species tested.

[3] In addition to pain at the sting site(s), symptoms of severe Vespa luctuosa envenomation include convulsions, cyanosis, and hematuria.

[4] Vespa luctuosa tends to build hanging nests in trees and bushes.

The nests built by Vespa luctuosa are generally spherical during the early stages of their construction.

After the nests have developed in size, they tend to take a more elongated, vertical orientation.