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I'm going to start trying to do some feathering on my Tyranids. I've reviewed some tutorials, and been browsing some of the galleries.

I've got a question about what edges to feather. It seems like everyone feathers both the leading and trailing edge of the carapaces. For instance, this excellent pic from the gallery.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/186307-Tervigon%20Right.html




I am thinking about trying to only feather the trailing edges, as I think that tends to be a bit more realistic looking because carapaces are thicker on the leading edge. However, I am new to painting models, and feel like there is some reason people much more experienced than I also paint the leading edges. Is there anyone who can explain why painters tend to paint the leading edges?

Also, can someone recommend a website with good pictures of bugs / lizards that I can use as inspiration for some of my painting choices?

The reason you highlight leading edges is simply to make them visible. I usually put less gradient on the leading edge to make it appear sharper - not just an edge as this gets rid of the ridged appearance that you're using feathering to reinforce.

You could argue the leading edges would be less feathered.

In my mind I'm envisioning an armour piece which has a grain to it, and as the carapace grows the outer layers dry and crack, like finger/toe nails might do. Or possibly just that newer grown armour is darker in tone and so the edges get that light and faded appearance, but since it has a grain to it, it comes out like streaks or feathering. In my mind, this happens most at the extremities like the leading and trailing edges and also around detailed areas. Though admittedly sometimes I've painted the feathering in spots where that probably would not be true.