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(1) The species guild is frequently cited as an ecological entity but lacks any formal or testable definition. Psychophysical unfolding theory is employed to define a testable model of guild structure using data derived from a community matrix. The model presents structure visually and may be more biologically realistic than other related models. Relevant assumptions are outlined and discussed. (2) The technique was applied in detail to data for four groups of predatory invertebrates (freshwater triclads, woodland opilionids, field layer spiders and coral reef gastropods) and produced statistically significant results. The dimensions created, linking predators and resources, are interpreted in terms of the original data. As well as determining the existence of guilds the visual models facilitate unique comparisons between communities which appear to have similar structures despite their diverse origins. (3) Unfolding …