[2] The name floury baker was previously applied to this species,[3] but that name is now specific to Aleeta curvicosta.

[5] The white drummer make a constant rattle-like call, which can carry over long distances, singing during the day and at dusk.

Like the related double drummer (Thopha saccata), its sac-like tymbal covers amplify its call.

[6] The white drummer is found along Australia's eastern coastline from Cooktown in northern Queensland to Narooma in southern New South Wales.

The preferred habitat of the white drummer is swampy forest and mangroves, with the cicadas perching on trees such as sheoak (Casuarina equisetifolia), swamp oak (C. glauca), coast banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and coast wattle (Acacia sophorae).