Two spiders, both alike in family,

Phidippus johnsoni, the red-backed jumping spider. (Photo: Sean McCann)

Salticus scenicus, the zebra jumper. (Photo: Sean McCann)

In fair Victoria, where we lay our scene,

Uplands park, Victoria, BC, is among the many homes of these common jumping spiders (family Salticidae). (Photo: Colin McCann)

From ancient grudge break to new animosity,

Where spider blood makes spider fangs unclean.

Notes
Jumping spiders (like all spiders) are generally predators of insects and other arthropods. Spiders are the second most common prey items of Phidippus johnsoni (27% of their diet, just after dipterans, coming in at 30% of the total count), and comprise 5% of the diet of Salticus scenicus.

References:
Jackson, R. R. 1977. Prey of the jumping spider Phidippus johnsoni (Araneae: Salticidae). J. Arachnol. 5 :145-149.
Okuyama, T. 2007. Prey of two species of jumping spiders in the field. Appl. Entomol. Zool. 42 (4): 663–668.

The zebra jumper’s stripes may serve as camouflage in many settings, but in this case they were no match for the excellent visual hunting abilities of a fellow salticid. (Photo: Sean McCann)