@Chrissie

Well, because blogger won't let me post a reply on your blog post for some obscure reason, I'll just have to post it here instead...
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Something like that sounds like a good idea. Perhaps a carapace growing from her skin? Maybe turn her forearms and forelegs into more exoskeletal limbs?

I've compiled a few reference pictures that might be able to inspire you or give you a few ideas.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/Praying%20mantis%20humanoid/lemuelrocksalot/Thri-Kreen.png

http://attachments.conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1051989&stc=1&d=1283034558

http://www.zbrushcentral.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=238543

http://www.shermancg.com/images/art/shermanIsaiah_insect01.jpg

I might even take a crack at a concept sketch for this myself and send it to you. The femme fatalle / mantis idea is brilliant.