The LifeWatch Species Information Backbone (LW-SIBb) facilitates the standardisation of species data and the (virtual) integration of the many distributed biodiversity data repositories and operating facilities. Built on expert validated and literature based information, the LW-SIBb is structured in different open data systems for taxonomy, biogeography, genetics and species traits. The LW-SIBb is the driving force behind the species information services of the Belgian LifeWatch.be e-Lab.