Which ant species is characterized by its velvety appearance and has a glistening black abdomen?

The velvety tree ant is recognized for its distinct velvety appearance, which sets it apart from other ant species. This ant typically has a dark to glistening black abdomen, contributing to its unique aesthetic. The fuzzy texture of its body, particularly the thorax and gaster, adds to the ant's overall velvety characteristic, which is not observed in the other listed options.

The Argentine ant, red imported fire ant, and acrobat ant each possess different physical characteristics and may have varying color patterns or textures that do not include the velvety appearance or the specific glistening black abdomen associated with the velvety tree ant. Understanding the defining traits of the velvety tree ant helps in accurately identifying it amongst other species, making this answer the correct choice.