This question is related to [the plural of "octopus"](https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/270/what-is-the-correct-plural-of-octopus) (yet another ancient Greek loanword animal):

What is the plural of "mantis"?
-------------------------------

[Oxford Dictionaries](http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/mantis) suggests "mantis" or "mantises". 

[Merriam Webster](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantis) and [Dictionary.com](http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mantis) suggest "mantises" or "mantes". 

[This page](http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/node/178) from the Iowa State University Entomology Department suggests "mantids" (emphasis mine).

> 
> Praying **mantids** (preferred plural form of mantis) have never been
>  numerous in Iowa and historically they were only common in the far
>  southeastern corner of the state.
> 
> 
> 

Personally, I use a mixture of "mantises" and "mantes" and find the usage of "mantids" strange, but what is the most etymologically correct / most recommended plural for the animal?